Nature Haven

Hi all,
I have bought 1.5 acres of an adjoining field to fill with Wildlife friendly greenery, and move the Cows away from our rockery ( they eat anything ).
The top two thirds is dry and the bottom third is marshland. I will be digging a 30metre round pond.
Now, I have been told I should use locally sourced trees because they are genetically adapted, does this ring true.?
There are trees easily available on ebay from down south, Oak, Silver Birch, Rowans, etc etc but are they suitable for the cold north climate.?


thanks
Howard

 

It is generally believed that sourcing tree's locally is better than buying tree's from online when you don't know where they have come from (Mostly from a warmer climate abroad) this is because as you rightly say they are more adapted to the local environment by slight variation. Another thing to do is to have a close look at the particular area in which you live in and what kind of plant species you are surrounded by this is so that you can better understand what plants tolerate your soil and weather conditions but also there's no point in planting ash tree's or [Insert random native plant here] when there aren't any already growing in your area as theres probably a reason that they aren't.

There is also a very cool feature on the Natural History Museum website which lets you find out what plants are native to you area by postcode:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/postcode-plants/

I hope I've helped you a little in you decision:gnthb:

 

That's a useful link, thanks.

Howard

 

I would always source from a local nursery as they are invaribly cheaper and you can see the trees before you buy them.

 

A bit of a daft approach perhaps, but its always amazed me how conservationists say things like," We must introduce grazing animals to stop this ladscape turing back to woodland".

Thats in this part of the country Howard, it may be different in Aberdeen, but it points to the fact that any bit of ground left to its own devices will turn into woodland, but may not be pretty.

It also amazes me that we have fund raising to plant new woodland.
Get the local school kids to plant acorns and conkers, and the like, in a few years it will look as good as anything the landscapers have planted at great expense.

As to going native, well it depends how far you want to go back, a bit like the population.:D

 

Howard, why not have a chat with the Foresty Commission, who knows, you may even be entitled to a grant.:gnthb:

 

Thanks for the interest,
As for planting acorns, I'm not known for my patience and want to see "my" woodland growing, so it's three foot saplings preferably.

The Forestry Comission do provide saplings, but have strings attached, not suitable for a private dwelling.

I am going to try a few other suggestions like the local N-Trust Castles about here.

We have Red Squirrels over the hill, so that would be my ultimate to get some down here.