Hundreds of trees to be planted in beautyspot woodland restoration project
NATIONAL TRUST rangers and volunteers have started on this year’s tree planting season at Hardcastle Crags, as part of big changes in the woodland which will benefit nature and people living in the valleys below.
In total, four thousand new treeswillbeplantedinthe woodland, including rowan, oak, birch, hawthorn and blackthorn.
The work, which is part of the woodland management plan, will see some beech trees felled, with some remaining as monoliths, to allow more light to reach the woodland floor.
By thinning branches and removing some trees, this will encourage more plants, like bluebells, to grow on the woodland floor. This will slow the flow of water in the valley, which will reduce flood risk. Many branches will be left in place below the trees. Not only does this ‘brash’ help slow water run-off, it is also an ideal nesting and feeding spot forwoodland birds.
National Trust rangers will also be carrying out tree safety inspections.
National Trust ranger, Natalie Pownall, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in wildlife in areas where thinning has already taken place. Butterflies and insects have done really well in places where we’ve left brash piles behind, and birds have been nesting in monolith tree trunks.”
Craig Best, countryside manager for the National Trust, said: “We understand that some people have concerns about felling trees, but our work has been carefully researched to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for nature, climate resiliance and reducing tree disease.
“The woodland management plan has been approved by the Forestry Commission and Calderdale Council.”
Contractors will be working to fell trees throughout Hardcastle Cragsoverthenextfew months.
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