In September 2024, our team arrived for the first time to clear four skips full of rubbish from the woodland, install nest boxes and restore the natural order. In October, our hardworking team came back shovels in hand, to plant the 3 acres of saplings that will one day provide wildlife with an essential habitat.
With the saplings planted and the land decontaminated, it was time for us to take a step back. We will continue to keep a close eye on the land and the growing trees while letting nature take care of the rest.
Words by Danny Yeoman
Pets Corner Wildlife Expert
We are planting 5,000 trees with the Woodland Trust to boost biodiversity and provide food for wildlife year-round. This effort supports our mission to restore the UK’s woodlands, currently just 13% of the land. We are also installing nest boxes for dormice, bats, and birds like tawny owls, treecreepers, and robins to create habitats for threatened species.
To conserve our native Bluebells, we are managing the site to prevent competition from invasive species. We’ve also installed solitary bee hives, ceramic pots for bumblebees, and ladybird hibernation boxes to support essential pollinators. Our wildflower meadow adds further support by providing a critical food source for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
We are creating rock piles, stumperies, and grass piles to offer shelter for amphibians, reptiles, and hibernating animals. Bamboo canes in the pond aid dragonflies, while Onduline sheets serve as sunbeds for reptiles. These diverse habitats help maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem, promoting the survival of various species on our site.
