Five Belles had a brilliant time with Avon Needs Trees (ANT) where we helped plant the last of the trees now gracing the field at Stanley Lane. Storm Malik tried to cool us down, but the walk to the site from Pewsham plus the digging and mallet wielding ensured we kept warm. We planted small leaved lime and goat willow on the day and noted the site also has oak, silver birch, alder, hornbeam, maples plus smaller shrubs and a hedgerow to provide habitat and food for birds, small mammals and insects.
Each tree has a coconut mat pegged down with bamboo which is designed to keep the grass from out competing the tiny tree in its protective cover, which in turn helps to stop deer and rabbits from nibbling it away before it gets established. All the supporting material is chosen to rot down over time apart from the ties used to attach the sleeve to the stake. There'll be a volunteer activity in a couple of years time to go and collect as many of these as possible. There is also a 15 year maintenance plan for the site.
It was such a different activity and lovely to put something back into the Chippenham community. The Belles now have a lasting legacy! We think a future Walkie Talkie event is on the cards when the site opens for picnics. There are plans to place benches by the gate which opens onto the old railway track which will make for a pleasant stop on the way to/from Calne.
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