Oaks take root in mighty oak operation
Action acorn beckons for half term when 3,000 saplings - gathered in a mighty oak operation by school children - will be planted.
The young trees will be sown at Whinlatter’s Masmill Forest, where they will become part of a project to extend native woodland, vital in the mission to restore water quality in Bassenthwaite Lake.
Long rooted oaks have a valuable part to play and when junior conservationists collected thousands of acorns, they knew their actions would one day make a big difference.
A Bassenthwaite Reflections’ community landscape project, the oak initiative puts down new roots this month in two special tree planting days. The first is a family event on Saturday 21 February, when planters of all ages can take part in a green fun day.
Heading up the project for Reflections, Rachel Graham said she hoped plenty of people would be tempted by a great half-term activity which would have far reaching benefit to the environment.
She said: "We know how much our local children got out of collecting acorns and now that they’ve been grown into saplings it’s another perfect opportunity for us to capture a young audience.
"We will be planting throughout the day and it doesn’t matter if people want to join us for half an hour or the whole event, everyone will be welcomed."
A second woody work day is planned for Tuesday 24 February, when further saplings will be sown next to Masmill beck. The area was cleared of non-native species, such as Sitka spruce and hemlock, by volunteers last year to make way for the new oaks.
Rachel added: "The project aims to extend Masmill Oakwood with as many new trees as possible, as well as caring for existing stocks.
"Oaks help stabilise soil and stop it slipping into water courses leading to Bassenthwaite Lake. We are doing all we can to help prevent erosion. Sediment is harmful to water quality and the area’s precious wildlife."
Anyone interested in the oak planting events should contact Rachel on 017687 74785 or 73204, email Rachel.graham@environment-agency.gov.uk. The half-term family planting day on 21 February runs from 10 am until 3 pm.
