Land use & tree planting
"Land use is a critical natural resource. How it's used and managed is vital to the UK's ability to deliver deeper emissions reductions and improve resilience to the effects of climate change over the long-term" - Committee on Climate Change
We are fortunate in Wotton-under-Edge and the surrounding villages to be have an abundance of fields and countryside on our doorstep, but how the land is used, and ensuring the on-going health of our soil, is paramount to reducing carbon emissions in our area, promoting biodiversity and securing local and sustainably grown food. Our actions in caring for the land can also help secure our community against risks like soil erosion and localised flooding. Find out more about how we support residents, land owners, the farming community, local businesses and the council by attending one of our land use events or emailing wottonareacan@gmail.com
Areas where you can make a difference include:
- Join one of our local tree planting events
- Purchase locally-grown food
- Grow a little of your own food
- Consider a ‘no-dig’ gardening approach (https://www.growveg.co.uk/guides/no-dig-gardening-create-new-beds-the-easy-way/)
- Speak to the land-use team about a specific enquiry you might have
Wotton area tree survey
Join arboriculturalist Ian Turner in recording the value of trees in Wotton and the surrounding areas.
Email wuetrees@gmail.com
Create your own wildflower meadow
Following the success of the wildflower patch we helped plant outside Wotton Swimming Pool, we've had a few requests for tips on how to create a wildflower patch at home. One of our lovely 'land use' volunteers, Bel, has put together a quick guide on the subject.
Community Orchard
Did you know we have a community orchard in Wotton? Situated near the Skate Park (off New Road), a group of residents and volunteers planted and cared for an orchard of trees. They include cider apples, eating apples and pears, of mainly local varieties. In ten years' time, as the trees begin to mature, they could each produce around 100kg to 150kg of fruit!
To find out more about the Community Orchard, support the group with further tree planting and care, or join one of their events email wottonareacan@gmail.com
Tips and tools for enjoying outdoor spaces sustainably
Making compost
Creating your own compost heap is an easy way to make the most of your garden clippings.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/Profile?PID=444
Butterfly identification chart
Spot visiting butterflies.
http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/British Isles - Identification Guide.htm
Bumblebee identification
Friends of the Earth's Bee identification guide and Bee Saver kit are a lovely way to engage children and adults in spotting bees visiting the garden.
https://www.friendsoftheearth.uk/bees/bee-identification-guide
'No dig' gardening
The least-effort-required way to prepare and maintain beds, ridding them of weeds and using up any corrugated cardboard you might have lying around.
https://www.growveg.co.uk/guides/no-dig-gardening-create-new-beds-the-easy-way/