Making roots

MORE than 2,300 trees are being planted at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire, thanks to the generosity of readers of COUNTRY LIFE, Charles Stanley Wealth Managers and Prime Oak.

Last week, Charles Stanley’s CIO Paul Abberley and I (right) wielded our planting spades— a tool a bit like a log splitter with a handle—and started the process of replacing some of the 20 hectares (49 acres) of woodland lost to ash dieback.

The COUNTRY LIFE Forest is a mixture of species, including oak, hornbeam, Italian alder, small leaved lime, sycamore and field maple. Once established, these trees will provide vital habitat for wildlife, as well as capturing carbon and improving air quality. The planting is just off the South Downs Way and, hopefully, many people will be able to visit and enjoy the beauty from the fruits of your generosity, not only in COUNTRY LIFE’S 125th anniversary year, but for many more to come. MH