Plan to add trees to Hatfield Forest

HATFIELD Forest has joined forces with Essex County Council s Tree Initiative to plant more trees in Essex. This Saturday, join head warden Henry Bexley to plant a seed of a species native to Hatfield Forest. Take it home in its pot and nurture it ready

HATFIELD Forest has joined forces with Essex County Council's Tree Initiative to plant more trees in Essex.

This Saturday, join head warden Henry Bexley to plant a seed of a species native to Hatfield Forest. Take it home in its pot and nurture it ready to return in two years to plant your sapling in the forest.

The saplings which grow from your planted seeds will form an essential part of Hatfield Forest's coppice compartments, so you will be shaping the future of this Medieval hunting forest.

Henry said: "We are pledging to plant at least 1000 trees, with the goal of replanting a sparse area of coppice which is lacking in the right species of tree.

"There is an old conifer plantation which has been selectively thinned to create glades which we can infill with native broadleaved species, such as oak, hornbeam, ash, field maple and hazel.

"We have been collecting seeds from the forest through the autumn, as it is really important that all trees planted here are indigenous to the forest to ensure their survival."

Tree-lovers are being encouraged to come and pot their seeds in compost provided by Anglesey Abbey. They will then take their seed home, along with a seed planting pack and instructions on how to keep their sapling healthy.

Taking place in the lake area at Hatfield Forest, there will be fun activities for all the family, such as a seed hunt and tree-related games suitable for all the family. As part of National Tree Week in the autumn of 2010, all participants will be invited back to plant their saplings.

From Mighty Acorns is free to attend, but booking is essential to make sure we have enough seeds and pots.

Please call 01279 870678 to book your place.