Woodland Edge Renewal

On 11th and 14th of January 2025, local volunteers helped the Trust plant 500 whips along 520 metres of woodland edges next to Toll Wood Lane (400 metres) and Granny Stiles' footpath (120 metres). We are grateful for that help and the generous donation of the whips by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), "I Dig Trees" initiative. In spite of the bitter cold, the soil was so rich and deep, the ground was soft enough for planting. We are grateful to all those who made possible this important first steps towards recovery of Toll Wood after decades of neglect.

The choice of planting bundles was made to bring pollinators, berries, nuts and munchable leaves. Once established, these new edges will strengthen biodiversity in the parish, and an environment for species nesting and feeding inside the wood. The mix of planting was: Hawthorn (60%), Blackthorn/Sloe (10%), Hazel (10%), Dogwood (5%), Elderberry (5%), Dog Rose (5%), Silver Birch (5%).

The work started here.

Day One - 11th January 2025
Day 1 boundary planting 1 Day one planting whips at north west corner and Toll Lane Day One planting woodland edge
Day One collecting canes and guards Day One Helen Sullivan planting Toll Lane edge Day One renewal planting of woodland edge - coffee deliveries!
Day One planting TCV whips along Toll Lane edge Day One planting volunteers  

Day Two - 14th January 2025
Day Two of Planting TCV whips - the 'base-station' Day 2 volunteer group Day Two planting along the very degraded northern boundary by Granny Stiles Path