Return of the native
Hertfordshire Life|April 2020
England’s largest new native forest near Harpenden is an example of how the UK can tackle both wildlife loss and global warming.
Return of the native

A lot has happened over the past 10 years at Heartwood Forest. Between 2009 and 2019, 600,000 trees were planted on former arable land to the east of Harpenden by thousands of local community members and many Woodland Trust volunteers – a monumental achievement. And the effort has certainly been worth it. Before our eyes, the land is transforming into what we had hoped – a wildlife-rich environment, beneficial for both our native species and ourselves. We are fortunate and proud to have this space in Hertfordshire, particularly at a time when it is more important than ever to have as many carbon-capturing trees as possible. According to the Woodland Trust, just 13 percent of the UK is currently covered in woodland. The conservation charity aims to nearly treble this, to at least 37 percent, in order to reach the UK’s carbon net zero target by 2050. At 858-acres, Heartwood Forest is directly contributing towards a better future for our planet, and at the same time providing a location to enhance physical and mental health in Hertfordshire.

An eclectic mix of habitat has been created at the site which is owned by the Woodland Trust and managed by volunteers with passion and dedication. It includes an orchard, where we have planted old Hertfordshire varieties of pears, apples, plums and quince; an arboretum that hosts all 60 native tree species; the wildflower meadows which buzz with insect life in spring and summer; the Disney woodland with its carved wooden animals; a wetland and more. These habitats are in addition to the original precious pockets of ancient bluebell woodland and old hedgerows.

Of the trees planted in the winter of 2011–12, the birch trees have grown the tallest. Behind them come the cherry and white willow, followed by the goat willow and field maple. Taking longer to establish themselves are the roses and wayfarer trees.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2020 من Hertfordshire Life.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2020 من Hertfordshire Life.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HERTFORDSHIRE LIFE مشاهدة الكل
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020