New community woodland and wildflower meadow planted on the farm...Working with both the Woodland Trust and Landlife, from the National Wildflower Centre, we have now planted our first new 12 acre woodland and meadow here on the farm.
This new space has been created by a method known as soil inversion and planted with 5400 native decidous trees and a wildflower meadow mix to create a 'Forest of Flowers'. Over the years this farm, like many others, has been intensively farmed for arable crops. The methods of agriculture employed have unfortunately led to a decrease in many species of both flora and fauna. A consequence that we now need to remedy as best we can. Both tree and flower seed mix have been chosen for this area, replicating as best as possible what would be growing here under natural conditions. This comprehensive mix of trees and wildflowers will greatly increase the biodiversity of the local area. The woodland and meadow are open to the public and can be used as either a facility for education (information boards will be erected detailing species), or just as a place to come, wander round, or just sit and be... Keep up to date with the latest woodland activity on the woodland blog... The tree mix that was planted in the woodland:
Sessile Oak, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hazel, Rowan, Wild Cherry, Alder, Willow, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Guelder Rose, Dog Rose, Dogwood and Crab Apple
Trees in the woodland in July 2011
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 Corn Chamomile, Corn Cockle, Corn Marigold The flowers that were sown:
annual mix: Corncockle, Cornflower, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold and Poppy
Perennial mix: Red Campion, Lady's Bedstraw, Ox-eye Daisy, Wild Carrot, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Devil's Bit Scabious, Musk Mallow, Vipers Bugloss, Bluebell, Toadflax, Lesser Knapweed, Meadow Buttercup, Meadowsweet and Teasel.   annual flowers growing in meadow - year 1 |