How is it carried out?
There are three main methods of increasing woodland areas: controlling grazing, allowing natural tree growth, and planting.
Young or small trees are especially vulnerable to grazing animals like sheep, so the saplings may be protected by fencing and tree guards. Working with shepherds will also reduce overgrazing.
When grazing is reduced in a certain area, native trees will be allowed to 'seed' naturally, and so will grow and spread without any human interference.
Planting ensures that a specific tree can grow in a certain place, and trees are matched to each site. The most common species used include: holly, rowan, common alder, silver birch, aspen, and sessile oak.
Who's involved?
Everyone can be involved with this project. We have created a more accessible tree nursery at Longshaw where we can plant and grow trees from seed gathered on the estate. Visitors can help with this at the Muck In days we run - look at the Longshaw What's On page for more information - or by volunteering, and school groups will be able to get stuck in too.
We have also set up the Treegeneration project in the Dark Peak which enables local schoolchildren to get involved with collecting and planting acorns.
The project is not just about trees - people play a big part as well. By talking to people the project can take place to everyone's satisfaction.
