FFW are planning a tree planting campaign in Autumn of 2024. The purpose of this is to boost the local ecology whilst also creating a natural screen to hide the views of the industrial estate buildings.
Calculations show the area will hold 750 trees at a planting distance of 2 metres apart. This is the usual measure used by the Woodland Trust and Tree Council. Steve Bullen and Clio Graham provided us with a list of suggested trees. Ian Proctor added some more based on what he has successfully planted on Fairfield over the last few years. The exception is Wych Elm which is indigenous to North Lancs according to Eric Greenwood's 'FLORA OF NORTH LANCASHIRE' which is the bible on these matters. The consolidated list comes to 10 canopy trees and 10 understorey shrubs, although some can count as both. We agreed a split of one third canopy and two thirds understorey: Canopy trees, 25 of each of Birch, Whitebeam, Field Maple, Sessile Oak, Spindle, Wild Cherry, Hornbeam, Small Leaved Lime, Bird Cherry & Wych Elm. Understorey shrubs: 50 each of Alder Buckthorn, Crab Apple, Dog Rose, Gorse, Guelder Rose, Hazel, Holly, Rowan, Dog Wood & Wild Privet. As our site is thick, tussocky grass we agreed that medium sized bare root plants will be best.
When the campaign begins, we will be looking for as many local volunteers as possible to help with the tree planting - watch this space!
