Ethical tree surgery

[Alinicoll]

However, wildlife still declines, so more habitat is essential.

 

I think its also important to emphasise that a few trees planted at a time is better than planting on mass. That way we end up with trees of mixed age.

[Andy Collins]

I do agree about the wildlife. When I was planting a couple of weeks ago, right in the middle of the countryside, I even commented about the lack of birdsong, given that its spring. One solitary skylark did pipe up, but no sparrows, starlings, plovers, not even a pigeon. I may be wrong, but landowners rarely seem to care about this unless they get a grant or payment to encourage them. You can plant all the trees you want, but if wildlife has migrated elsewhere over decades, then its going to be a long time returning. Many amenity plantings nowadays have to meet a whole new set of requirements, people bemoan that there are less trees in town, but they dont want spiky ones, ones that drop leaves, or have lovely fruit that they either can slip on, or the birds can eat then defecate on the Porsche/washing. Trees to many are a PITA.

[Jon Lad]

I think that although planting new woods, shelter belts etc is important, it is more important for us to conserve our ancient woodland. As once it is lost, it is gone forever since it is impossible to replace. There should be more education, policy direction and money aimed at doing so in my opinion.

[Alinicoll]

I think that although planting new woods, shelter belts etc is important, it is more important for us to conserve our ancient woodland. As once it is lost, it is gone forever since it is impossible to replace. There should be more education, policy direction and money aimed at doing so in my opinion.

 

Totally agree. Protect and expand what is left.

 

i found it interesting at the ancient tree meeting recently that there are, for example huge ammounts of money going into getting dry stone walls redone yet virtually nothing going into ancient trees. Basically for anything to be really sucessful it needs to be implamented on a national scale.

 

However, in the mean time those who work on trees should be trying to encourage customers to replant with suitable trees.

[Andy Collins]

What ancient woodlands need is proper, adequate protection in law!

[Alinicoll]

Exactly. National strategy. Legal protection and funding to make work and preservation possible.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

It isnt just the numbers of trees that matter, planting thousands/millions of trees is all well and good, but without a balanced bio diverse planting scheme in each area its next to useless.

 

Nectar trees especialy early ones are so important, but rarely considered.

[Alinicoll]

like what?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Sambucus Nigra, Prunus avium, prunus spinosus etc etc

 

Theres loads of nectar trees that are planted but not for thier nectar considerations!

[Alinicoll]

ok. good point. I guess that could inculde buddlia, liliac too.