News / Bristol24/7
Planting trees in Great Avon Wood with Better Business
The Bristol-Avon catchment area has undergone significant deforestation over the past few centuries and is currently one of the most depleted regions in terms of woodland cover. This situation poses a major risk to our local ecosystem, making the area susceptible to the effects of climate change, such as flooding and the loss of biodiversity.
Avon Needs Trees and Forest of Avon Trust have jointly purchased over 100 acres of land near the village of Pensford in Somerset and on the doorstep of both Bristol and Bath.
Over the next three years, they are working with volunteers to plant and nurture 40,000 trees to create Great Avon Wood.
is needed now More than ever
Great Avon Wood is the largest woodland creation project on record for the West of England.
On a recent surprisingly sunny Monday in March, some of the Bristol24/7 team and representatives from members of the Better Business network put on our wellies and went to the woods to help plant with The Conservation Volunteers and Avon Needs Trees.
The Conservation Volunteers run a volunteer programme throughout the year. They are always looking for new volunteers and green spaces they can help improve for wildlife and people.
First, we were told where to plant, and where not to plant. Some of the site is being kept clear to create paths for walking, wetlands and areas for grazing.
We used the ‘T hole’ method which is a quick and efficient way of embedding the young trees in the soil.
The trees we were planting were native broad leaf species including hazel, alder and birch. We planted them with biodegradable tubes to protect them and mulch mats made from coconut husk and sheeps wool to provide nutrients and limit immediate competition.
Students from the University of Bristol also came to help.
Business member representatives from Weston College and Our Media got stuck in to the planting.
Ben Wright, MD of Bristol24/7, applying a mulch mat to a young tree.
Some of the young trees were just coming into bud.
The day was a great chance for Better Business members and the Bristol24/7 team to spend some time together whilst contributing to a future forest. Volunteering is just one of many benefits Bristol24/7 offer to our Better Business network, which is made up of over 50 local organisations. Find out how you could be working with a local media partner and local businesses as part of our Better Business membership.
Main photo: Ecosulis
All other photos: Meg Houghton-Gilmour
Read next:
- New BBC Attenborough series features nature reserves near Bristol
- Applications open for community pollinator fund
- Bristol’s first community climate action plans launched
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