Discover our trees and woodlands

Our borough is home to over 30 native tree species. These include the Common Oak, Beech, Silver Birch, Alder, Hornbeam, Rowan, Field Maple, each supporting various insects, mammals, and birds. Trees cool the air, stabilize soils, and provide habitats for wildlife while absorbing carbon.

A mature tree can absorb around 22kg of carbon dioxide per year, meaning around 450 trees are needed to offset one person's yearly emissions. Mature trees are crucial for carbon capture and biodiversity, making tree planting a long-term effort.

Our trees are sourced locally and we use compostable tree guards, with the mulch being made from our recyclable garden waste. 

Younger trees are significantly less beneficial than mature ones in terms of carbon capture and biodiversity. So, tree planting is not a quick fix. We'd also need a lot of trees to offset emissions and there simply may not be enough land for them. Planting trees has a footprint of its own.

Trees and plants communicate with each other using a massive network of underground fungi. This 'mycorrhizal' network is of mutual benefit to the fungi and the tree and is used to share and exchange nutrients. Not only that, but some trees and plants are even able to send 'messages' along the network. For example, if a tree is being attacked by insects, it can use the wood wide web to 'warn' other trees along the network to trigger their own defences.

According to the RSPB, in the UK more than 500 invertebrates feed on birches; oak trees support 31 different mammals and common hawthorn can support up to 300 different insects. That's not to mention the countless number of birds that feed on a tree's fruit, nuts, and berries

Woodland Management

We carry out general thinning to improve the health of the woodland, by allowing a greater amount of light in. It is normally done on a cycle of every 10-15 years, but this woodland has not been thinned for a few cycles due to time constraints. The usual thinning method involves picking which trees to retain and then ensuring that it has enough space and light to continue to grow. Normally this means removing trees with cracks, defects and weak forks. As a wildlife charity, we try to keep some of the trees with holes and cracks as they make fantastic habitat for birds, bats and insects. 

Standing Dead Wood

Old and dying trees make great habitat for a wildlife as holes and cracks form. We have aimed to leave as much standing deadwood as possible, but due to safety reasons have removed any dying trees and limbs that are near the paths.

Coppicing

Coppicing is the process of cutting a tree to its base and allowing it to regrow. The practice of coppicing allows a greater amount of light to reach the woodland soil, allowing different plant species to grow. This creates food sources for butterflies and other insects which then provide food for birds, bats and extends the lifespan of the tree.

Dead Hedges

We created many meters of dead hedges. These act as wildlife highways and allow species to move safely throughout the woodland, if you wait quietly you may see this in action. These dead hedges also act as a barrier to prevent human disturbance to the woodland soil, which along with the extra sunlight will encourage woodland flowers to bloom. This is another reason why we have blocked off some of the unofficial paths.

Let's embrace the beauty and benefits of our magnificent trees. Together, we are making a difference to help tackle climate change.