Apple Tree Planting and Spring Seed Sowing – March 2015

Saturday 7th March 2015 and a change to the published programme, 17 volunteers turned up to help plant and sow.

After feeding the very hungry ducks at the lake, we made our way up to the orchard.

We have bought some old welsh variety apple trees with our Environment Wales grant to help restore the old orchard close to the house.  We had some lovely varieties from Dolau-Hirion Fruit Trees including Channel Beauty and Cissy!  Julia was especially proud of her tree and will be monitoring it closely.

A new gas pipeline had been laid along the edge of the orchard, so this was perfect for our first area to sow with the wildflower seed mix.  Again, the funds were provided by Environment Wales and sourced from a supplier of native British Wildflower seed.  A mixture of flowers and grasses, this mix will be shade tolerant.

After raking the surface, a small amount of seed was sown, then we did the seed sowing shuffle, when we step on the seed to make purchase with the soil.  It may look slightly daft, but will be very effective and give the seed the best chance to germinate.

After covering this area, we moved onto the pond on the other side of the woodland garden.  This pond had been full of silt, which has been dredged and the water was looking clear.  We’ll be monitoring this for critters.

Our next stop was the woodland around the Keeper of the Woods which had been cleared of bramble last year.

After lunch, where the vols were entertained by some amorous frogs, the rest of our hedging trees were planted and an excellent day was had by all.

Even better, we had some decent rainfall on Sunday giving the trees and seed a good start.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out today and if you fancy joining us for some fresh air, fitness and fun while helping the environment, then we’d love to see you.