The opportunity arose here where it was possible not only to protect the river form stock poaching and associated erosion, but also to restore an ancient woodland that had been grazed for many years. It was agreed with the landowner that we could fence off the entire woodland, fell some of the sycamore trees to increase light penetration to promote re-generation and plant new trees. This took place in the spring of 2015, so the woodland has had a full growing season. This has enabled key marginal river plants such as phalaris reeds to colonised many new areas, stabilising the toe of the river banking. Without this protection, the sheep simply ate all the young plants and trees preventing their growth / re-generation. Within the wood, some seedlings are re-generating and the newly planted trees and shrubs are thriving.
