Environment Agency helps create new Dorset woodlands
1 May 2014 04:19 PM
The Environment Agency
has teamed up with the Woodland Trust and local landowners to create two new
areas of woodland near Dorchester.
More than 3,400 trees have been
planted on the Frome and Piddle catchment in a partnership
project.
Woodlands are not only an
important part of the British landscape – they also improve water quality
in our streams and rivers and can reduce flood risk.
The woodlands, each covering
approximately 1 hectare, were recently planted at two priority sites - the Came
Estate and Lower Burton Mill, where the most environmental benefit can be
achieved. Species planted include alder, willow, oak, field maple, wild cherry,
hazel, hawthorn and dog rose.
The project, which cost just
over £9,000, included the cost of the trees and fencing plus two training
events when advisors from various organisations including FWAG and the Dorset
Wildlife Trust received instruction in the importance of trees in river
valleys.
There are plans to extend the
project to the Hampshire Avon where the establishment of additional areas of
woodland are expected to bring further benefits.
Kim Goonesekera from the
Environment Agency said:
We are very pleased to have
worked with the Woodland Trust and local landowners on this exciting project
and look forward to seeing these two areas of woodland grow and play a vital
role improving and supporting the surrounding river system and
countryside.
Hamish Thomson from the Woodland
Trust said:
Trees help our natural landscape
in so many ways. I have seen first hand how landowners in the South West have
benefited from them. The trees planted in partnership with the Environment
Agency will hopefully demonstrate how in the long term trees can help reduce
flood risk and improve water quality.
Photos of the newly planted
woodlands are available from the Environment Agency press office on 01392
352233.
ENDS
Notes to
Editor:
How trees help the
environment:
- Protecting water quality: Trees
and woods can buffer watercourses from run-off from adjacent land, acting as
nutrient soaks and reducing the amount of pollutants and sediment reaching the
water.
- Reducing erosion: Tree roots
bind soil and stabilise banks, reducing soil erosion and
sedimentation.
- Sustaining wildlife: The dappled
shade cast on the river by trees planted on the riverbank moderates water
temperature and helps maintain a suitable environment for aquatic wildlife and
improves rivers for fishing.
- Mitigating flooding: Tree
improve infiltration and reduce surface run-off. By planting on floodplains,
the release of flood water is delayed.