Farndon Park Woodland.

One of our most ambitious projects was to create a  21 acre parkland consisting of 6 acres of woodland, 16 acres of pasture, 350 metres of new hedgerow and planting pasture field boundaries with trees. External contractors fenced and sowed the pastures. Retaining and maintaining existing rights of way was also a key part of the work ensuring accessibility to the Park by residents and visitors .
 
All in all, over 1,300 trees and 1,800 hedge plant whips were planted.
 
The project was started in December 2006 when the new owner of what was then, 21 acres of arable land immediately adjacent to the Farndon Ponds Nature reserve, contacted our chairman at the time for advice and help in restoring the land back to its natural state for the Trent Valley.  

Things moved quickly, and with an appropriate title deeds covenant in place to protect the woodland and hedgerows, and with planting designs agreed; 8 weeks later, F.R.E.G members, with local residents and the Notts Wildlife Trust volunteers completed the planting of the park. The owner purchased the necessary stock.

The Woodland, planted with 16 varieties of British and Trent Valley Native Trees was done with the intention of creating a balanced environment for mammals, insects and birds.





Oak, Ash, Beech, Willow and Birch prevailed with Rowan and Bird and Wild Cherry providing winter food.  

The bare ground around the trees was sown with a meadow mix of grasses, clover and wild flowers providing a haven for insects, voles and ground loving birds.

A stainless steel plaque stands in the middle of the woodland giving details of when and what was planted and by whom.  A very satisfying project indeed which hopefully will be enjoyed by very many for 100’s of years to come.  

Just 4 years on the rate of growth has transformed the area from open arable land into the woodland we intended enjoyed by thousands of people each year.


The before and after photos clearly show this. 

Phil Holmes - Project Leader - December 2010  

August 2011 - The group were really pleased to be contacted by Chris Connell, who lives in the Village, who has created this wonderful movie "flying" over the site - Please enjoy.