Local News
Issue 1143
Call 0114 283 1100
10th December 2020
www.looklocal.org.uk
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Garden Nature Notes Something different for 2020 in Thorpe Hesley from the Upper Don Tree Charter Branch THE Tree Charter was launched at Lincoln Castle on November 6 2017, the 800th Anniversary of the 1217 Charter of the Forest. The new Charter for trees, woods and people set out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand strong together. However, planting trees in open spaces is not the only way we can help wildlife to flourish. We as individuals can’t stop forests burning in the Amazon. But all of us who have gardens, even a tiny garden or patio, can help wildlife to flourish in our community with a little thought and understanding as to what wildlife requires. In our area, as in most parts of the country, we have seen the number of wildlife species – most obviously songbirds – decline drastically in recent years. Garden and woodland birds which were not so long ago, very common such as thrushes, chaffinches, yellowhammers and greenfinches are rarely seen today. Birds of prey, which have increased in recent years, need a plentiful supply of small birds and mammals for survival. These creatures in turn need shelter for their survival. According to the Wildlife Trust the best form of shelter is a hedge which can form a garden boundary instead of a fence or wall, especially if native trees and shrubs are used. Hedges allow wildlife to move between gardens and other spaces, and provide feeding and breeding opportunities. They also look beautiful. Hedges offer food in the form of leaves, nectar-rich flowers, berries, fruits, seeds and nuts, and are also good hunting grounds for predators seeking insects and other invertebrates. They make natural windbreaks, creating sheltered areas in the garden, which is particularly important for butterflies. They also create areas of shade, increasing the range of habitats within the garden for wildlife and people! Informal hedges and trees are better than those that are regularly clipped; for instance, hawthorn, holly and privet will produce few or no flowers and berries if kept trim. Planting hedges instead of using fences and walls allows wildlife to travel, including hedgehogs and find food and shelter more easily. Choosing your plants: Native shrubs and trees like hawthorn, field maple, blackthorn, beech, hornbeam and holly make an ideal mixture of hedging plants. Grow rambling plants, such as wild rose, bramble and honeysuckle, through your hedge to provide even more shelter and food for wildlife. Honeysuckle smell gorgeous. and the wild roses are a lovely addition to the flora of the garden Ivy is particularly beneficial for nesting birds and it flowers in the autumn when few other nectar sources are available to
insects. Encourage prospective wildlife by growing it up into large trees. Rambling roses can also be planted up trees creating a rich source of nectar for wildlife and a lovey sight for human eyes! Planting your hedges: The best time for planting is between November and March, but never plant into waterlogged or frozen ground. Bare, rooted plants are cheaper, but take care not to expose the roots for long when planting. Until they are established, keep the base of your plants free from weeds with a thick mulch or matting. If you can’t plant them where they are going to be permanently straight away heel them in somewhere temporary; even a bucket of soil/compost can serve as a temporary home if necessary as long as the roots are buried. For a mixed native hedge, try to include three plants of the same species per 1 m (3 ¼ ft) with one each of two other species. Maintaining your hedges: Hedges should not be pruned until late winter or early spring so that wildlife can take advantage of the insects and fruits provided during the winter months. In the first spring, cut shrubs back to 4560 cm (18-25 in) above the ground. This encourages bushy growth.
AFTER the cancellation of their usual Christmas market and tree festival, the Events Committee of Holy Trinity Thorpe Hesley they have come up with some Covid-19 safe ideas for this Christmas which everyone can take part in safely. Up to December 15, there is a Natvity Journey – a family walk around the village looking at the decorated houses
and gardens to follow the nativity story ending with a beautiful outdoor nativity scene and large Christmas tree outside the church. A map can be downloaded from www.thorpeandscholes.org. Further information is available from Kay on 07708421017 or kayhester@ hotmail.co.uk Also, the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge takes place
from December 1 to 12 – they are supporting Rotherham foodbank by placing items in a box every day for 12 days. A calendar with information about items needed and how to drop off your completed box is available to download on www. thorpeandscholes.org. Further information is available from Fiona on 07963955263 or fionawilsons61@hotmail. com
RECYCLE YOUR TREE - HELP A HOSPICE
Top tips • To protect birds, wildlife hedges should not be trimmed in the nesting season (March to August). Try to cut sections of hedge at different times, so there is always an undisturbed place for wildlife. • Angling your plants at around 45 degrees as you plant them will help you to establish a hedge which is not too thin at the bottom. Suggested plants: • Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa • Bramble - Rubus fruticosus • Common Beech - Fagus sylvatica • Common Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna • Common Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus • Dog-rose - Rosa canina • Eglantine Rose (aka Sweet Briar) - Rosa rubiginosa • Field Maple - Acer campestre • Holly - Ilex aquifolium • Honeysuckle - Lonicera periclymenum • Ivy - Hedera helix • Traveller’s-joy (aka Old Man’s Beard) Clematis vitalba • Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana Happy planting!
SO many of us are looking forward to having a real Christmas tree at the centre of our festive displays after a year like no other – but are altogether less enthusiastic about the New Year clean-up. Thankfully, a local charity has stepped in to take away all the hassle. Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice will be easing people’s post-festive woes with an exciting new Christmas tree recycling service across Sheffield in partnership with several community-spirited local businesses. For a small donation, the charity and its team of eager elves will collect real Christmas trees from outside people’s homes and then recycle them in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. Each tree recycled will help Bluebell Wood be there for children and families across Sheffield who simply don’t know how long they have together. Long-standing Bluebell Wood supporter XPO Logistics, which has sites in Barnsley, Chapeltown and Doncaster, is delighted to
lend its support and expertise to the charity’s new service. Gavin Williams, managing director, supply chain – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “As a business we’re always looking for ways to give back, and our Christmas tree collection is a practical way to help the community while supporting a life-changing local charity. “In addition to raising funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and aiding the recycling effort, we’ll be removing any stray trimmings so that everything runs as smoothly as possible.” Booking a collection couldn’t be easier – all people need to do is visit https://www.bluebellwood.org/recycle-your-christmas-tree and follow the button for their area, or call 01909 508103. All the real Christmas trees that are collected will then be chipped and turned into compost, with some used to grow new trees and others used in the gardens at Bluebell Wood.
