Mauchline

Andy popped over to survey this site and see how we were doing, and unfortunately the answer is this one is off to a bad start. It is a very exposed site and has experienced significant winds. There have been issues with fencing and cows have managed to trample a lot of the trees. It is hard to determine which losses were weather vs cows.

• Small area - none of the 70 saplings remaining
• Shelterbelt 1 - 141 out of 994 remaining
• Shelterbelt 2 - 65 saplings surviving out of 710
• Copse - We planted 100 trees here and they’re relatively sheltered. Only one or two cow pats in this compartment. 70 remaining out of 100. Total 276 out of 1874 = 15% survival rate (i.e. 85% losses)

Things don’t always go well the first time. It’s sad to have setbacks like this, but we do not hide from a challenge. We are going to work with the landowner to ensure sufficient fencing is in place before heading back with more trees. It’s also clear we will need wind-proof guards, like the ones used on Goytre Hill, another extremely windy exposed area.

This site was rather special as it was our first tree planting in Scotland. The plan was to create 5 extra thick shelterbelts, in total 1.5km long, on this dairy farm over three days in October and November.

Andy, our trustee who lives in Scotland, was able to invite friends, family and colleagues to help. Other volunteers over the three days included corporate groups from Zenergi and Ovo, The Mad Hatters Meet Up social group, local people, and friends and family of of the landowner. The landowner provided an excellent lunch on all three days.

On the first two days there were quite a few volunteers who failed to show, leaving us with around 8 per day, but on the third day we had 18, which was wonderful. We started around 10.15am and the last tree was planted around 1.15pm, so we were finished by lunchtime. When we got into a routine, the volunteers could plant a row of 160 trees within about 30 mins, including laying out all the materials which was most impressive.

The shelterbelts we planted were 10 metres wide and consisted of 10 native tree species and 4 woody shrub species. In addition to sheltering the cattle, and in coming winters likely raising milk yield, these shelterbelts will protect and consolidate the soils on the farm, while providing exceptional habitat for a wide variety of birds, invertebrates and other wildlife. The nearly 2000 trees here will, in years to come, provide a great tool for sequestering carbon.

Volunteers made the following comments about the event: No disagreements, very well organised event, materials all present, laid out and a clear description of the work. Toilet facility appreciated. The landowner was a great host. We really enjoyed ourselves and the weather was excellent. Lunch was delicious and filling - perfect after a good few hours outside. Unwrapping the baby plants was fun. Thank you so much for your time and energy in running this lovely organisation.