12,000 trees will boost wildlife

More than 12,000 trees have been planted across 20 hectares to create a new woodland at Dove Stone in the Peak District.

Over the past three months, RSPB staff and volunteers have battled through the wintry weather to plant a mixture of native British trees including oak, birch and willow. They will help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion in the area. The project will improve water quality, help lock up harmful carbon in the ground and reduce downstream flooding.

In the long term, the trees will also provide a home to woodland birds including redstarts and flycatchers, as well as butterflies, bumble bees and even deer.

Kate Hanley, the RSPB warden who led the project, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the woodland grow to support some of our declining woodland wildlife.”

Samantha Herbert