This weeks task with the Lower Aire Valley volunteers was tree planting in the aptly named Water Haigh reserve. Located on the banks of the River Aire and the Aire & Calder Navigation, the site is subject to flooding, and work is being done to enhance the area as a flood alleviation zone. As part of this work, several fields are being planted with trees. Tree planting had previously taken place on the site but unfortunately most of the saplings had failed. They were not adequately protected and were grazed by both rabbits and deer, so this time care was taken to protect the trees.
A mix of alder, birch, scot's pine and hazel saplings were planted this week by a team of six keen volunteers. Our instructions were to plant the trees 'plantation style' so first we measured out a grid pattern, leaving a gap of 1.5 metres between each tree and loosely tapping in a support stake to mark the position where the tree would go.The ground was fairly wet and it was easy to dig the small slot into which the sapling was placed. As the saplings were effectively plug plants, the roots were neatly contained and only a few inches long. It was easy to place the young tree in the ground (making sure that the soil level reached the top of the roots), and then firm the soil around it.
The marker stake was then hammered firmly into the ground. A tree guard was placed around the tree and firmly attached to the stake. Care was taken to push the tree guard into the soil to prevent any small mammals from getting underneath. The tree guards should protect the trees for several years until they have grown more robust, and can then be removed.Over 300 young trees were planted, but only a third of the field was covered, so there will no doubt be more tasks here in the future ...
