Community woodland

THE National Trust is putting down the roots of its first major community woodland, with 90,000 trees due to be planted over the next three years.

The conservation charity aims to create a 120hectare future­proof woodland at Wembury Barton Farm on the stunning south Devon coast which is equivalent in size to 168 football pitches.

This will not only become a haven for wildlife but also for individuals and the wider community around Plymouth. With tree planting now under way, the existing 36 hectares of woodland at

A CONSCIENTIOUS lifestyle is an important step in counteracting the consequences of global warming.

This also includes promoting the diversity of plant life.

Plants filter pollutants out of the air, the biomass of a single, mature, mediumsized tree, for example, stores up to 500 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Plants cool down heated large cities and provide food and shelter for numerous animals. In the garden, there is an immense variety of flowering perennials, hedge plants, trees and shrubs.

According to Gardena: “It inspires, makes happy and excites because plants are caresses for the soul.”

Factors such as the loss of green spaces, monocultures or environmental pollution are putting the diversity of animal and plant life in distress. That's why the topic of biodiversity is more topical than ever.

What exactly does the word mean? Simply put, Gardena says: “If there are as many different species of plants, animals and organisms as possible in the world, nature is at its most bal ­ anced. But natural habitats are fading, and the number of species is declining sharply worldwide.”

Wembury will be expanded by 84 more hectares of new planting over the coming years, forming a rich mosaic of woodland and wood pasture.

Nearly four kilometres of new hedgerow and banks will also be planted. The area will also sequester a significant amount of carbon as the trees mature.

A wide range of people will be able to access and enjoy this woodland on a network of new multi­user and other paths, bringing them closer to nature and helping to improve both mental and physical well­being.

Feeding the birds

HELPING garden birds can be as rewarding for you as it is for them. By using bird tables and hanging feeders, you can bring wild birds right up to your window.

Here’s what to feed them so you can enjoy having birds in your garden all year round. These feathery friends love to tuck into seeds, grains and peanuts. With peanuts it is best to buy from a reputable feed shop to ensure they’re fresh, unsalted and suitable for birds.

To protect chicks from being fed whole nuts and choking, provide peanuts in good quality mesh feeders.

Birds also like to tuck into cooked pasta, rice and boiled potatoes. They are also partial to cheese, raisins and sultanas.

Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food as are insects such as mealworms or waxworms.

Fresh, clean water is essential for birds, so keep water bowls full of clean water and make sure you place bowls and feeders far away from bushes and other areas where predators might hide.