In 1988 the Ipswich
Wildlife Group established
a tree nursery on a redundant allotment to
grow trees for use on their own
conservation schemes.
They have identified
four key areas:
which species they should be growing
where they should be planted
how others could be involved
what they should do to make better and more
efficient use of the tree nursery
Green solutions
Looking around the allotments the group were struck by all the bamboo being used for beanpoles. If they couldn't supply their own twigs for beanpoles it was difficult to see how they could successfully tackle bigger environmental challenges. They considered the Tree Nursery well placed for promoting local beanpoles by growing their own, encouraging others to do the same and encouraging people to use more local wood products, demonstrating how thinking globally can help local action.
Where and what to plant
Six vacant allotments have been planted with over 500 hazel plants - this will mean new woods in the heart of Ipswich, providing important wildlife habitat and, in six years time, useful woodland products.Why not grow your own beanpoles. Plant a shady corner with hazel for your own beanpoles, providing important wildlife habitat. Each plant needs little space and will produce 10 poles every 5 to 6 years. Hazel catkins bring the first colour after winter!
Action for change
Local woods can provide most of the products that are currently imported from places where forests and forest peoples are threatened. By using home grown wood products we can create new jobs, protect British woodland wildlife, at the same time as reducing damage to the rainforest.Environment wins
The loss of profitable outlets for low grade wood products early this century has resulted in the widespread neglect of native woodlands. This in turn has lead to the decline and extinction of a large part of our native woodland flora and fauna which adapted to the coppiced native woodlands. Locally grown woodland products can encourage active management of neglected woodlands. This in turn benefits the landscape, flora and fauna. By making best use of locally grown products - often unused and left to rot or be burnt - transport and its accompanying pollution is reduced.Allotment forestry groups
Groups can strengthen rural and urban links encouraging urban gardeners to look to their own rural roots first to meet their needs. New partnerships are fostered between farmers, landowners and woodmen with gardeners, schools and local groups working together to promote better care of the environment Local action and decision making is encouraged, increased choice is provided for the consumer and people become more aware of the advantages of buying local, home grown products.[Next] [Previous]