Bel's Wood

On Friday Cumbria was hit by Storm Arwen. The Met Offices Met Office Principal Meteorologist Dan Suri said:- “Storm Arwen’s impacts are mainly associated with high winds as the storm sinks southwards and will widely bring gusts of up to 65mph in coastal areas, although slightly stronger in the northeast, with in excess of 75mph possible in exposed locations.”  I was hunkered down in Kendal experiencing high winds overnight of Friday 26th November 2021. I woke up to snow on the high fells and I decided not to drive and went for a fabulous walk on the local hills looking longingly across at Lord’s Lot where my wood sits on the west side facing away from me. The village nearby had no electricity and I saw Facebook posts of local people clearing the roads where trees had fallen. I decided not to visit as I know people on the roads were there to bring help to those cut off and vulnerable people. Finally today, Monday 29th November, I have been able to visit to see what the damage is. It

Having chosen my 4,200 trees - finally I thought I'd go through my reasoning as I am bound to forget. I am increasing some of those species already there and I am not increasing others and I shall focus on these here. In part 2 I will cover the new species of trees that I shall introduce. Cherry  There are 3 beautiful large cherry trees which produced the most delicate white flowers in spring & lovely autumn colour leaves.  There are no saplings coming up or teenage trees so this species needs support to become more widely established with the introduction of protection from grazers and new genetic stock ie.saplings, I have to say I haven’t spotted any fruit on these three trees this year but I am influenced by this statement on the CWT website:- Our native tree species provide important links in the food chain for many animals, as well as areas for shelter and nesting. The Wildlife Trusts recognise the importance of healthy habitats to support all kinds of species through