Mitigation planting case studies
Over 2,000 metres of hedging and 180 trees planted so far.
By collaborating with landowners across the programme area Mend the Gap has been able to create nearly 2 kilometres of new and improved habitat for our native wildlife. This habitat will provide not just a place for birds, mammals and invertebrates to live, but will act as a food larder and safe corridor for movement between different wild spaces.
Over the next 12 months all of the new trees we have planted will be monitored, as part of the programme’s commitment to ensuring they thrive. Failed whips will be replaced, and protective (biodegradable) guards renewed as necessary.
Here are some of the places that we have worked so far:
South Stoke
We began our mitigation planting in South Stoke parish in 2022, and have successfully planted 990m of hedge and 71 trees.
We aim to revisit South Stoke in 2024 and 2025.
Gatehampton, Goring
At sites around Gatehampton, Goring around 750m of new hedging and over 20 standard trees have been planted.
The landowners have worked together to make sure the screening is connected, to provide optimum impact both visually and for wildlife.
Mend the Gap will continue the maintenance of the newly planted trees and hedgerow in this area in 2024.
Sheepcote recreation ground
At Sheepcote recreation ground in Goring, owned by the parish council, some 200 metres of native hedgerow and several standard beech trees have been planted by the Mend the Gap programme.
Over the next 12 months these new trees will be monitored, as part of the programme’s commitment to ensuring their survival. Local residents are also being encouraged to get involved in taking care of them, straightening guards and watering until they are established.
Child Beale Trust
The Child Beale Trust owns an area of land around Lower Basildon that runs alongside the road and railway. Mend the Gap has supported them to infill and mitigate the impact of the gantries by restoring existing hedgerow. We hope to continue collaborating in 2024/5.
What next?
In the 2024/5 planting seasons the Mend the Gap programme will begin mitigation planting in the Purley area. We are also planning for planting from Didcot down to Moulsford, and would like to hear from landowners in the area.
If you own or manage land that you would like us to consider for mitigation planting please get in touch at mendthegap@chilterns.org.uk