Who's been eating the trees?

During the autumn we have been checking the new native woodland schemes, like this one planted in the Spring of 2006. The oak, birch and wild cherry or gean are establishing well, protected in the 1.2 metre high shelters.

The shrubs however are not doing so well.

The prickly blackthorn is no defence against the attentions of the local roe deer population who have repeatedly browsed these plants. Management of this site is being reviewed and a couple of years of reducing the numbers of roe deer will allow these shrubs to grow above browsing height. Think of the other wildlife that will benefit; grateful insects who will feed on the resulting spring blossom and the birds feeding on the sloes in autumn. There may even be enough left for your sloe gin!