Our work at Newark Park

Tree planting on tenant farmland at Lodge Park, Gloucestershire — Tree planting at Newark Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Discover more about our work restoring the woodland at Newark Park and conservation work in the garden.

Keeping the woods healthy

We've been working hard to restore the ancient woodland on the estate. The spruce trees that were planted as a crop to feed the timber industry have reached maturity and have been harvested.

The removal of the spruce trees has given us the opportunity to return the woodland back to its native character. In woodlands, open space and fresh growth are vital. The removal of trees creates open spaces and makes room for young trees to grow.

Newly cleared areas are good for young trees and a well-balanced wood has trees of all ages.

Replanting trees

We're replanting with native broadleaved trees like wayfaring, spindle and field maple. The young trees will restore the character of the wood and create a more natural age structure and they'll also provide amazing colour.

Aftercare

Our job doesn't stop when we've planted the trees. They need a little tender loving care to give them the best start in life.

Deer find them irresistible, so until they're strong enough to look after themselves, we give them a helping hand with stakes and deer-proof tree guards.

A healthy ash bud (Fraxinus excelsior) | © National Trust Images/Chuck Eccleston

Ash dieback exhibition

Staff, volunteers and visitors have all witnessed the striking damage to the landscape caused by ash dieback at Newark Park. It was something that many visitors were shocked to see and a sad change to the valley view we were used to. However, it is not all bad news and the initial impact is only part of the story of our changing woodland.

On the top floor of Newark house is an ash dieback exhibition to explain what has happened to the landscape and how we hope it will recover. The exhibition explains what the disease is, the impact that it has had across Newark Park and our outdoor team’s vision for a more biodiverse future. On display are photographic prints of the tree works and changed woodland views photographed by local camera clubs Sodbury and Yate Photographic Club and Tetbury Camera Club. A central table display will showcase six example tree species which have been replanted so far, and help those who wish to identify them in the garden or estate.

The aim of the exhibition is to help visitors to recognise the changes that have happened due to ash dieback and to see the beginnings of a new era coming into leaf.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.

Support our work

Over 1,000 trees were planted but replanting so many trees is expensive. You can support the restoration of the woodland at Newark Park by making a donation.