Our volunteers have been busy in the last couple of weeks up at the northern end of the reserve, planting the remainder of our wildlife-friendly hedge that we started two years ago. The hedge runs along the top 450 metres of the North Trail on the Trent side of the site and comprises a nice mix of native species including common hawthorn, field maple, common buckthorn, guelder rose, wild privet, common dog rose and common dogwood.
The first 300 metres were planted in 2016, however we then had to wait until our large outfall sluice into the River Trent was installed, before we could plant the last 150 metres. That day finally came however and we got straight to work planting the 955 trees!
After 3 days of hard work by our Sunday, Friday and Monday crews, the plants were all in place and looking fabulous! An amazing effort by all and huge thanks to everyone who helped!
The trees that were planted 2 years ago are looking excellent too and some are now taller than me! Such a great success and it surely won’t be long before the whole length is providing a home for a wealth of wildlife.
We’ve been treated to some great sightings too whilst hedge planting, with buzzards, fly-past oystercatchers returning to the site for the spring, stunning marsh harriers and barn owls and a beautiful flock of 40 (yes 40!) yellowhammers feeding on bare ground around the sluice area – future inhabitants of our new hedge perhaps!?
Hedge planting on a very cold, but sunny Sunday.
The finished article!