Pound Farm
At Pound Farm at Great Glemham in Suffolk we have transformed former arable land into a rich and diverse mix of wildlife habitats, which is visited by around 15,000 people each year. Since 1990, 60,000 trees have been planted – including species such as ash, oak, birch, hornbeam and small leaved lime. However, the creation of a new wood is about more than just trees. At Pound Farm, in addition to 56 hectares of new broadleaf woodland, we have created a wildflower meadow abounding in species such as bird’s foot trefoil and black medic, established over 4km of hedgerow and restored five ponds which are now complex ecosystems supporting a wide variety of invertebrates and the rare great crested newt. In just 20 years, Pound Farm has become a glorious example of the best of our natural world; a maturing woodland with towering trees which is full of life and vitality.
Hedley Hall
Hedley Hall Woods at Sunniside, Tyne and Wear, lies within Great North Forest. Overlooking the Beamish Open-air Museum, the site is a major visitor attraction in its own right. Acquired by the Trust in 1991, the site is made up of Ridley Gill, a 9 hectare area of ancient woodland, and 46 hectares of former arable and pasture land which has been transformed by the planting of species such as oak and ash into thriving new broadleaf woodland. We have also sown a large hay and wildflower meadow and installed a sculpture trail through the site. Roe deer are now regular visitors and birdlife now includes snipe, willow warbler, yellowhammer and whitethroat. The new wood is so well established that in 2004 it was designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI); just 12 years after the first trees were planted.
Dutton Park
Purchased by the Trust in 2006, Dutton Park Wood at Dutton, Cheshire, is now being transformed into a wildlife haven with the planting of 25,000 native trees as part of a mosaic of habitats. We have saved areas of existing ancient woodland from overgrazing, allowing it to naturally regenerate; created a wildflower meadow which sown with tree seed will eventually become part of the woodland and restored several ponds so that amphibians can thrive. In a few short years, this will be a magnificent wood rich in flora and fauna.