Inspirations

Last Summer, when acquiring a wood was a dream, I took time to visit a range of woods that I could find on maps which are located in a sea of grazed land. I found it inspiring to experience the difference that a woodland made on a hot summer's day and to see the difference in biodiversity with different types of woodland. Since then I have read a lot and listened to experts. I need to develop a detailed planting plan so am trying to bring together my learning. 

Seeing other people’s planting plans coming into being is inspiring :-


I have been lucky enough to join the South Lakes Woodlanders who are a group of like- minded people who are improving their own land or that owned by others - widening biodiversity and nurturing land in the south lakes for future generations. Visiting other members' land has helped me to visual what is possible and learn about different approaches.


Planting successes


Trees planted in 2019 and photographed in 2021

Dog wood                               Spindle

Scots Pine

A variety of trees planted in 2020, photographed in 2021





Damson planted in 2020


Great looking cage protecting a pear tree from deer where there is no deer fence around the field - allowing in light and air


Bracken suppression can work....


The shot on the left has taken after 6 years of bracken bashing - with one bash a year. The bracken is now sparse and low growing. A picture of my land with me standing on a back path  at Bel's Wood and gives a contrast! Maybe getting two bashes a year will accelerate this change.


  


Below the woodland by the South Tynedale Railway north of Alston shows the successful long term approach to bracken suppression by creating a canopy and what I aspire to in 20+ years times!





Biodiversity

A typical view of Bel's Wood with bracken, gorse and an occasional valiant fox glove breaking through:-



Examples of rewilding changing the landscape and supporting invertebrates, birds and a variety of small mammals.


The South Tynedale Railway north of Alston has embankments next to the railway which have been allowed to flourish



Hemp                                                    Meadowsweet and rosebay 
                                       willow herb

Closer to home the verge outside Bel's Wood has red clover, meadowsweet and dog roses which I haven't yet seen on site but hopefully I will now that move inside with no grazing I hope they will hop over the fence and be present next year.






A beautiful local beechwood - giving protection from the rain. Beech has a solid canopy leaving no light for the development of an understory.




















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