Tree talk

Julie gets muddy with communities as they plant hundreds of trees...

So, how do you decide in your house? Real or artificial? Do you put it to the vote or does someone have the power to make the ultimate decision? Then, if you decide on a real tree, who chooses it and do you measure up before you go (they look so much smaller in the garden centre don’t they)?

So many questions to start a blog on trees but it’s a very important decision, a bit like what you leave out for Father Christmas (apparently mince pies are on the decline - they said so on Radio 2 so it must be true). I looked up Christmas trees and Google says that Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, as we now know it, by the 16th century when sources record devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes (Martin Luther is credited with adding candles).

Looking to the natural world, at this time of year it's all about planting trees while they're dormant and quite often it’s a good time to involve communities in such projects. Tree planting events are beneficial in so many ways: carbon capture for future years, wildlife habitats changing and growing, immense satisfaction at actually planting a tree with its guard and, importantly, the feeling of working with a group of people to achieve a common goal. It is fabulous when you look back and see how many trees you have planted. Have you got space in your local area to plant a tree or two? If so, why not chat to your local parish council about getting something off the ground (or, more precisely, in the ground).

For those of us associated with Monkwood nature reserve, it is definitely a tree-filled season. In late 2019, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust was presented with an opportunity to buy 59 acres of land at Green Farm, adjacent to this most important and much-loved nature reserve to the north of Worcester. This once in a generation opportunity to both extend and buffer Monkwood offered a chance to help nature thrive in this corner of our county so, as well as restoring some of the meadows adjacent to the woodland, we're going to re-wood areas of Green Farm through both tree planting and natural regeneration.

A group of adults and children planting trees at Green Farm — Tree planting at Green Farm by Nick Packham

This winter we're reinstating a hedge that we believe existed in one of the fields called Bullocks Ground. ‘It’s only 1300 hedging plants to plant in one of the muddiest reserves – oh and we will need to carry them though Monkwood and out the bridleway into the field’ said Dominique Cragg, the reserves officer. In that case, I thought, we'll need some help; bring in some very able and capable primary school children and an incredibly supportive Scout group.

Initially the Monkwood volunteer work party set up the planting regime for planting hedges - 100cm from the fence and 50cm from each other for the first row and then alternating a second row to create a hedge. No problem, even in the pouring rain and the mud and the cold (I think the half-time mulled hot juice and chocolate brownies were essential rather than a bonus). The work party got off to a great start and the following groups did not disappoint.

So far, Hallow primary and Lower Broadheath primary schools have planted a mixed hedge that includes hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple, elder and spindle to name but a few. Then the 9^th Scouts from Hallow made a marvellous contribution on a slightly soggy Saturday to add further whips to the beautifully straight hedge line. We are eagerly expecting Grimley and Holt primary and Martley primary schools to continue the excellent work next week. This really is community work at its best - all ages and experiences - from those who have never planted a tree to those who are regular planters.

Planted trees at Green Farm by Nick Packham

If you glance at the photos you will notice that the common factor in all present is mud-covered clothing; when I said it was muddy at Monkwood I really did mean it. Despite this, I have to say that I've had the best time tree planting with young people and their teachers/carers/leaders. No-one moaned about the mud or the wet, in fact we embraced it (some of us a little more than others - mentioning no names Thomas P) and the enthusiasm and professionalism from everyone was simply wonderful. I have to mention the slightly competitive way in which the digging developed; if I say that the spade made a kind of rude sound when wiggled back and forth and that made a lot of people giggle...and then we had to see who could make the loudest slightly rude sound, can you guess where I am going with this? It was a lot of fun. I just hope any walkers on the footpath appreciated the humour.

Before Christmas, we will be finishing off planting any remaining trees with the Monkwood work party and other volunteers who live locally around the reserve. Next spring, there will be a reinstated hedge to blossom and grow. So, if you are walking through Monkwood at any point and your boots are squelching in the mud, bear a thought for all the lovely tree planting folks of the surrounding communities. And if you’re sad that you missed out, then don’t worry there will be more next winter (apparently 'quite a lot more' said Dominique)!

Hedge stretching away in the distance, with leaves just starting to change colour by Paul Lane — Green Farm hedgerow by Paul Lane

If you are planning on planting some trees during winter, then please do let friends and neighbours know just how much fun they can have and how valuable those few hours can be. An existing hedge at Green Farm/Monkwood is thought to have dated back over a 1000 years - imagine someone walking past our new hedge (or your newly planted oak) in 3023 and discussing how they think there is evidence that it was planted as part of a community project...when people actually used tools called spades to plant whips!!