extra whips planted 30th Nov 2014

This weekend (29th - 30th November) marks the start of National Tree Week so it makes sense to plant some trees. Some of the Friends volunteers had planned to plant more whips last Sunday but relentless rain and waterlogged ground kept us away. Luckily today the weather was mild with some sun, so Sue and Alona agreed to meet and do some planting.
The area they worked on is immediately behind the hard-standing and adjacent to the orchard. Three winters ago a large tree (sycamore, I think) fell during a storm. When the tree was cut up, the trunk and logs were left for the benefit of wildlife. The open space created by the fallen tree was rapidly colonised by sycamore, elder, cherry, horse chestnut and other young saplings, with a dense ground cover of ivy. Scattered among gaps in the greenery various wild plants have taken hold, including nettles and forget-me-not. Perhaps a wild flower survey in spring could identify and list some of these?
Back to the tree planting today: Around 20 whips were planted, including rowan, hazel, silver birch and hawthorn, planted at fairly close spacing to grow into a hedgerow.
It is always a joy when other park users come over, to talk to volunteers, to find out what we are doing and to watch. One of our first visitors was a robin. Then came a young boy with his dad, on their way to grow Mayow Community Garden. Someone who has volunteered with us before came to ask about our next planned work session. A lovely silver cat strolled by while going for a walk with his owners and last of all came  two women with a dog. 

Sue planting whips

As this is the start of National Tree Week (http://www.national-awareness-days.com/national-tree-week.html) there was a busy day of activities and celebration at Grow Mayow Community Garden. Hopefully they will post some photos of their event on this blog in the days to come.