New trees planted for benefit of community and environment

Trees have been planted in Budleigh Salterton, Devon as part of the The Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP).

23,000 saplings have now been planted across the site, 225 of which were planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme.

A lot of the planting is located on the former domestic tip site, which is being reclaimed by nature and become a pleasant green space for the community and visitors.

Some of the trees include a mix of canopy species trees and understory shrubs and small trees such as field maple; silver and downy birch; crack, grey, goat and white willow; guelder and dog rose; crab apple; wild cherry; hawthorn; blackthorn; hornbeam, and pedunculate and sessile oak.

Existing hedgerows have been thickened and improved, and new hedgerows have also been planted.

Dan Boswell of the Environment Agency said: "This is another big step forward for the project and our efforts to restore the Lower Otter Valley to a more natural state. The planting addresses some of the ecological and environmental challenges we have in the area and will play an important role in enhancing local biodiversity and visitor’s experiences.

"It is early days, but the Lower Otter Restoration Project is already having clear positive effects on the valley’s ability to attract more and more varied birdlife, and as these saplings grow and the newly restored wetlands develop, this will greatly increase."

Image by lagnaage from Pixabay