Autumn News from Trees for Dorset

Autumn is bringing plenty of activity for Trees for Dorset, from developing partnerships and planning new woodland to monitoring the effects of this summer’s dry weather and finding new homes for one of Dorset’s rarest native trees.

Celebrating 100 Years of CPRE

Trees for Dorset recently joined CPRE Dorset at Milton Abbey to celebrate 100 years of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Trees for Dorset has worked with CPRE under our previous Chair, Rachel Palmer, and our new Chair, Simon, is keen to continue and strengthen that relationship.

This winter, Trees for Dorset will be working with Coastland College and CPRE to create a new wood at Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester. It is an exciting opportunity to work together on practical tree planting and create something that will benefit the landscape for years to come.

Drought Stress in Dorset's Trees

The unprecedented heat and drought of this summer have taken their toll on some of Dorset's trees, but climate isn't the only factor.

While travelling through west Dorset recently, Simon spotted a group of beech trees showing significant signs of stress. Just a few hundred metres further along the road, other beech trees appeared to be faring much better.

They had experienced the same temperatures and lack of rainfall, but different soil conditions can make a considerable difference to how well moisture is retained and how trees cope during prolonged dry periods.

It is an interesting reminder of just how important local soil and growing conditions are when we think about the resilience of our trees and woodlands.

Restoring Native Black Poplar in West Dorset

More native Black Poplars are set to be planted in west Dorset, in the headwaters of the River Frome.

Gavin and his gardener Tina recently showed Simon around their property, where numerous springs emerge from the chalk, creating areas of wet bog and calcareous fen. This rare habitat provides ideal conditions for the endangered native Black Poplar.

A mixture of male and female clones will be planted using trees grown by Trees for Dorset volunteers.

Restoring native Black Poplar to suitable sites like this will help increase biodiversity while supporting the conservation of these beautiful and increasingly rare trees.

From partnerships and new planting projects to understanding how Dorset's trees are responding to a changing climate, there is plenty happening as we head into the autumn and winter planting season.