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Tree planting in the Knoll

17/12/2020

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The WoodChips today finished the current tree planting programme in the Knoll. Unfortunately, due to illness, we were without our leader (get well soon, Andy), but we managed to finish planting 36 trees across the site before we ended our task, the last one before Christmas. There are 15 new trees (and a rainbow) in the pic above.

As on previous tasks, we formed two teams, one for planting and the other to continue the clearance and burning of more scrub from the site. Big thanks to everyone who helped with both tasks over the last few weeks. And also to the Downlands Trust, for their sponsorship of the trees and planting accessories.

The 36 new trees now planted and protected in the Knoll include Walnut (cell- and pot-grown), Hazel, Crab Apple and a Rowan. We also added protection to some existing young trees, to save them from the attentions of the local wildlife.
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Graham Kenward
Planting a Walnut tree.
Pegging down the mulch mat.
For each planting, the turf and any roots are removed and replaced by a bio-degradable mat which suppresses weeds and helps to retain moisture in the first period of growth.
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A couple of ancient residents of the Knoll. Even older than the volunteers!
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Second best time to plant trees

11/12/2020

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According to the familiar saying, the best time to plant trees was 25 years ago: the second best time is now. After years of clearing scrub and old rotten trees from the Knoll, we have begun a programme of new tree planting, kindly supported by a grant from the Downlands Trust.

This area near the Ramblers Rest has also been known as the Nuttery and still has some ancient Walnut specimens, among other fruiting trees. The scrub clearance not only saved the old trees but has resulted in a brilliant resurgence of dormant wildflowers throughout the site.

WoodChip activities are all about teamwork. While some of our volunteers worked on clearing and burning the arisings from our autumn tasks, others began to plant a mix of Walnut and Hazel in the open spaces across the site.

​All the young saplings will be protected by tree guards, stakes and mulch mats for their first years of life. We reckoned this would deter most creatures looking for an easy snack, but this didn't allow for the appetite of our canine colleague Treacle (see pics).
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Brian with the first new Walnut planting.
Keeping warm while clearing scrub.
Tree planting accessories: stakes, mats, guards, volunteers.
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    Community Woodlands Award


    ​Who are we?

    We are a self-funded group of volunteers looking after our local countryside in Banstead Wood and Chipstead Valley. We  extend a warm welcome to those  who would like to help maintain this important green space for the benefit of everyone. Here you will find details of WoodChips weekly tasks and activities. Check back soon  to see what we're up to!

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  • Home
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  • The area we cover
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