Tree Planting in Matterdale

The UK Committee on Climate Change has called for a target of 1.5 to 3 billion new trees to be planted in the next 30 years. The right species of trees planted in the right places make the soil healthier and increase carbon storage and biodiversity. They also provide natural protection against flooding and drought and naturalise our rivers, streams and wetlands.

Matterdale is an old-fashioned valley in the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traditional farming has shaped the valley, and lots of the land is still farmed in ways that benefit nature. There are wilder areas like Great Mell Fell, amazing species, rich wildflower meadows, lots of boggy places great for wading birds, and lots of species-rich grazed grassland. There are also a wide range of species that thrive here but are struggling elsewhere, like red squirrels, curlews and cuckoos.

But there are elements of the valley that can be much better and local farmers and land owners along with Ullswater Catchment CIC have developed a plan to plant more trees, create more woodland pasture and to maintain or improve the traditional nature-rich farmland habitats and micro-habitats, like hedges and hay meadows. Another Way has already planted an oak woodland with 1,700 trees, and over 26,000 hedge row trees. All guards are either reused, cardboard or bio-degradable.