Today marked a first, as we worked with the National Trust at Osterley Park. Our task to help improve a narrow stretch of young woodland planted alongside the M4, probably at least 25-30 years ago. The wood consists mainly of oak, field maple, and hawthorn trees, with few cherry laurel. By planting a few extra species, such as rowan, hazel, birch and blackthorn, the hope is that the woodland will become ecologically more valuable. As well as planting a few trees, we also planted some bluebell and wild narcissus bulbs. Some of the laurel plants were also cut back to allow more light into the woodland, and old redundant tree guards were collected up.
Students from Marymount School work in teams to plant the trees.
A dead tree is removed.
Volunteers look for suitable spots to plant trees.
Old tree guards were collected ...
... and recycled to protect the next generation.
Laurel trees were cut back to allow more light into the woodland.
A 30-metre high ash tree clearly has no need for its old tree guard.
Osterley Park is a remnant of rural Middlesex.
An old gate post indicates the position of a long-lost field margin.
Taken in August 2013, it's hard to believe this field on the edge of Osterley Park is in Hounslow.
The Osterley Park estate is bisected by the noisy M4, with the high-rises of the Heston Farm Estate visible in the distance.
Nearby at Osterley Fields, an old apple tree reminds us that this area used to be occupied by orchards. (This area may be threatened by development in the future. Help us protect this special open space for the local community).
No comments:
Post a Comment