New ‘Mini Forests’ at Berrywood Meadows
Two new ‘Mini Forests’ are set to be planted at Berrywood Meadows at Hedge End as the Council continues to encourage greater biodiversity on the popular open space.
The trees will be planted in two triangular areas one using the Miyawaki method and one using standard planting method. The Miyawaki method (named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawak) uses species of trees that would occur naturally in the area and that work together to create a diverse, multi-layered forest community. Soil improvers are added and saplings are planted at very high densities that replicates the regeneration process that occurs in a natural forest. The saplings grow very fast to compete for the light and then natural selection will favour the fastest growing individuals and act to thin out the trees.
The second site will have the turf removed and the trees will be planted using standard planting methods with no soil excavation/improvement. The two sites would then be monitored over the coming years to compare growth rate, biodiversity and soil condition.
The two sites will be fenced to protect the trees including from the local population of Roe Deer, until they are big enough that the deer can’t eat them.
Chair of Hedge West End & Botley Area Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton said, “This is another great example opportunity to plant more trees and improve the biodiversity of Berrywood Meadows to the benefit of wildlife and local people. I really look forward to seeing the ‘mini forests’ becoming established.”
Funding for the scheme is being provided by UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and also Hampshire County Council.
Photo caption: Preparations for tree planting at Berrywood Meadows.