The client asked The Habitat Restoration Co. to supply and plant 4,400 native mixed broadleaf whips across four separate fields throughout the client’s farm, at a stocking density of 1,600 per hectare.
West Trevales Farm,
Tree Planting
Client brief
To supply and plant 4,400 native mixed broadleaf whips across four separate fields throughout the client’s farm, at a stocking density of 1,600 per hectare.
All trees were to be planted with mulch mats, 1.2m tree guards and softwood stakes.
Approximately 1/5 of the trees were to be ‘wet’ woodland trees, planted in the lower half of the fields where ground conditions suited more riparian species.
Across the farm ran high-voltage over-head power cables, which had a strict 35m no planting zone running underneath.
A 5m buffer zone around each field was required for continued access for tractors and machinery from the landowner.
THRC solution
Made a plan to deliver the project taking into consideration stipulations such as:
- A set funding & budget provided by The Forestry Commission
- Delivering the work before the end of the planting season – meant hiring in extra staff
- Planting the correct trees in the correct place – mixed broadleaf in the main body of the fields, with wetland and riparian trees in the wetter areas and small woody shrubs near existing hedges and powerlines.
Sourcing our materials
The Habitat Restoration Co. provided locally grown and disease free tree whips – the whips we had supplied were grown just 12 miles away from the planting location! We used wool-based, environmentally friendly and biodegradable mulch mat and bamboo pegs which is fantastic use of sheeps wool and does an excellent job of insulating trees. Cost effective Tubex tree guards and solid & reliable pointed softwood stakes.
Project Delivery
We mobilised our small but highly efficient team of tree planters and got stuck in! General manager Charlie and operations manager Patrick led the way in organising tree distribution and planting density, whilst the rest of the team got trees in the ground!A big shout out to the Habtiat Restoration Co. core members, Patrick, Josh and Ross who never took a backwards step in some challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain.The team enjoyed a well earnt pasty on the final day.
End result
We delivered the project on time and within budget and the landowner now has 4,400 native broadleaf trees planted across large swathes of the farm, at a stocking density of 1,600 per hectare. There is clear and easy 5m access all around each planted field, and the trees were planted 2.5m apart allowing for accessible maintenance access for mowing around each tree. Isolated areas of woodland are now connected with hedgerow corridors where a large and diverse woodland ecosystem with grow and thrive in the years to come.
Interested in how The Habitat Restoration Co. can help you in your next project? Get in touch and speak to our friendly team today.
