More than 1,600 new saplings have been planted at Queen Elizabeth II Fields near Hartley Wintney as part of a project to assess different tree planting methods.
The Mini Forest Experiment has been set up by Hart District Council’s countryside rangers and the Hampshire Forest Partnership, with support from community volunteers and the Blackwater Valley Partnership.
The Hampshire-wide initiative will compare two tree planting methods to help inform future decision makers in choosing the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly method to plant new forests.
The two methods being trialled are the Miyawaki and slot planting methods.
The Miyawaki method uses 60-80cm tall native trees densely planted in an area approximately the size of a tennis court. The ground is intensively cultivated to about 1m deep and soil improvers added.
The slot planting method use a less invasive planting method. Turf is removed by a spade and bare-root native trees are ‘heeled’ in, and mulch applied.
Councillor Dermot Smith, Chairman of Hart District Council, visited the tree planting this week. He said: “This scheme is an exciting opportunity for the Council with Hampshire Forest Partnership and the Countryside Service volunteers to support a greener future.
“We are fortunate to live in such a green district already, with many parks and open spaces, and projects like this will help us maintain and plant new areas for people to enjoy. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time on this worthwhile initiative.”
Groundworks for the project started last month with two 200M² semi-circle areas laid out, 12 metres apart from one another for tree planting. Each semi-circle is approximately the same size as a single tennis court. The areas have been deer-fenced to protect the trees.
To keep up to date with the project, please visit the Queen Elizabeth II Fields page.