Environment Agency Funded Tree Planting at Bridge and Ivy Farms

Introducing opportunities for tree cover to grow appropriately along our rivers is a fantastic opportunity to support habitat conservation and connectivity. The presence of a wooded area on riparian land can have multiple benefits, including much needed shade for water temperature regulation, but also as a provider of a habitat connection along with giving food and shelter opportunities for multiple species both in and out of the water.

Guy Hayward of Bridge and Ivy Farms, Lower Hacheston, kindly provided the Environment Agency’s riparian tree planting initiative an opportunity to enhance a considerable stretch of 900 metres of the River Deben, downstream of Wickham Market, with 120 native trees and shrubs. A fantastic use of the fund, resulting in a great improvement for the stretch.

This funding aims to mitigate for any trees that may be lost due to the need for pruning or removal  from high-risk flood areas. By focusing on the planting of native trees and shrubs, this allows more complex habitats to develop along the river. Not only will these planted trees and shrubs give the usual benefits that the presence of a wooded area brings, but this planting has been strategic in aiming to reduce areas of congested reeds and in-channel weed in order aid water flow.

By planting trees and shrubs that will grow to supply shade, this may also work to prevent future plant congestion by dominant reedy plant species such as bur-reed (Sparganium) and bulrush (Schoenoplectus). This successful planting session left gaps between the new plants to allow for any maintenance needed as they become established.

Work such as this is a great example of Recovering the Deben’s Habitat Connectivity and Estuary Restoration workstream as by creating opportunities for new, wooded habitats, there is an increased opportunity to strengthen links between existing habitats along the catchment.

If others in Suffolk are interested in finding out more about tree planting funding please contact naomi.boyle@environment-agency.gov.uk or james.carr@environment-agency.gov.uk . The funding covers the full package for a tailored tree and shrub riverbank planting scheme to suit the site and landowner’s requirements and includes plants, planting and materials.