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Planting the seeds for a new wood

26th Oct 2011

Three quarters of a million tree seeds are being scattered this week as part of a project to create a new woodland near the River Lee.

The Heartwood Forest is being created by the Woodland Trust near Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire. 400 local schoolchildren are helping to plant the native tree species this week, using a technique known as ‘direct seeding’.

At more than 850 acres, the forest will be the largest new native woodland in England. The Woodland Trust has already planted 200,000 trees on site and by spring next year will be over half way to its target of planting 600,000 trees. This is part of an initiative aimed at doubling native woodland cover across the UK.

Woods for people and nature

Louise Neicho, site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: "We believe doubling native woodland cover is hugely important for wildlife and the environment, but equally so for people. Educating children about their role, tree planting, and the difference they can make to the future of our trees and woods is therefore crucial."

The direct seeding is in its second year and will see a range of species of seed scattered by local school children, including hand-picked acorns, and ash, hazel, wild cherry and silver birch seeds. The process involves tree seeds being sown at high density in a random fashion on prepared ground. The result is dense woodland dominated by oak, with diverse shrub growth and a natural appearance.

You can see a map of the proposed new wood on the Woodland Trust website.

Last updated: 27/10/2011

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