1,000 native tree saplings planted at Belvedere
The Mullingar branch of Women’s Shed Westmeath, the Horticultural School at Belvedere House and the outdoor staff joined forces on Valentine's Day to plant almost 1,000 native tree saplings in Belvedere Woodland.
The tree saplings were planted over an area of 2000 sq m which was recently cleared of Cherry Laurel. The trees were donated by Peter Cuthbert, an experienced horticulturist and champion of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. Peter’s wife (nee Felicity Shaw) grew up beside Belvedere and has fond memories of the lakeshore woodlands.
He selected a range of native trees and beech, which provides some of the large specimen trees. These plants will start the regeneration of the woodland trees and provide resources for insects both in terms of flowers and foliage. The species planted include Downy Birch, Hazel, Willow (Salix caprea, Salix cinerea and Salix viminalis) Crab Apple and of Pedunculate Oak.
In addition, 200 hardwood cuttings of willow were planted in drifts with the specific purpose of enhancing flower resources for pollinating insects. All of the plant material was sourced from an Irish nursery, None So Hardy in Shillelagh, County Wicklow.
“I was very impressed with the impact of the initial phase of the laurel removal and am offering to sponsor a scheme of regeneration planting for three years. As they grow and develop the trees will add to the rich biodiversity at Belvedere”, says Mr Cuthbert.
“For the first time in possibly a hundred years the seed bank in the soil which had been suppressed by the Laurel will be given the chance to grow and recolonise”.
Mr Cuthbert complimented Westmeath County Council for the proactive approach they are taking to control invasive alien plant species at Belvedere.
“It was great to see real team effort and enthusiasm from all involved in planting the tree saplings on Monday. I would like to thank Peter Cuthbert for his kind donation of these trees which will provide an important food source for pollinators and habitat for fauna in an area of Belvedere that was dominated by Cherry Laurel for many years,” says Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade.
“We will be undertaking more Cherry Laurel clearance and treatment of Japanese Knotweed in the autumn, as part of a multi annual plan to bring the invasive alien plant species in Belvedere under control. The long-term impact of this will be to reduce the hold of Invasive Alien Plant Species, helping to restore biodiversity. The recent planting will be a great help in enhancing biodiversity and regenerating the woodland,” Ms McQuade said.
The management of invasive alien plant species at Belvedere is being undertaken with support from The Heritage Council, The Local Biodiversity Action Fund from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Westmeath County Council.