Planting woodland question

[blades]

Apologies if I am asking this question in the wrong place?

 

I have 10 acres of ground and becuase of work and time constraints I have been considering planting up some land that is currently paddocks. I no longer have time to keep animals to keep the grass down etc hence the idea of planting. Just wondered what the general thought was re planting up paddocks.... a couple of people have suggected this is a crazy idea? I like the idea of creating more wildlife habitat. I have already planted 1000's of trees all around the perimeter of my land and also created some large ponds with a lot more planting around them.... In the first picture below you can see the area I am thinking of planting further..... remove the field shelter and plant?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Edited November 7, 2011 by blades

[kernowstu]

You will de-vaule the land,but if it was mine i would think of planting a arboretum with a nurse crop for a small income

[RobArb]

I'd love an arboretum and its a decent idea, but a lot of work and time is needed to put in to create one

 

Sent from Rob's GalaxySII

[AlexB]

As a business I'd look into leasing the paddocks out. As some one who loves trees I think you'd be eligable for the highest level of grant funding under the woodland creation grant scheme.

 

Get in touch with your local woodland officer, make them a cuppa and give them some biscuites. They will talk you though the process and what you can/cant do.

 

If you're up for the paperwork, if not you could get intouch with a forestry agent... Ahem....

[Justme]

Dont forget to inform DEFRA (I think) that you are taking the land out of agri use.

[NI Tree]

with ponds you whant to leave them open. i would also concider leting the land

[blades]

with ponds you whant to leave them open. i would also concider leting the land

 

The ponds are a bit away from the intended planting area, thanks

[blades]

I'd love an arboretum and its a decent idea, but a lot of work and time is needed to put in to create one

 

Sent from Rob's GalaxySII

 

Thanks Rob

[born2trot]

I know I would pay good money to have my horses on paddocks as good as that. you could be choosy about who your clients were and get them to clear out their own muck etc.. A winter turn out area would be a bonus to keep them in tip-top condition.

[daveindales]

don't plant it with broadleaved trees, unless your doing it for pleasure. I'd rent it out like others have said. looks ideal for horses. Saying that, If it were mine, i'd consider planting it with xmas trees, but this would be purely a profit based option.