Tree Planting

Tree planting on Grimsthorpe Estate

Tree surveys are crucial in monitoring the health of our woodlands and roadside trees. Ash dieback (Chalara Fraxinea) is becoming increasing prevalent across the UK, often forcing the removal of unstable and unsafe ash trees. Our dedicated Forestry Team have adapted to this challenge, and follow a comprehensive monitoring and restocking programme aimed at mitigating the impact on our woodland ecosystem.

Recently the decision was made to remove around 50 affected roadside trees and for every tree taken down, we have replanted two new trees to not only replenish the lost trees but to provide an overall net gain for this important and niche habitat.

The Estate has collaborated with local nursery, Aveland Trees, to grow oak tree saplings from acorns collected from Grimsthorpe oaks, some of whose ancestors were recorded in the Doomsday book in 1086! In mid-November, we successfully replanted 100 roadside oak trees, all of which were grown from Grimsthorpe oak. The location of the new plantings was strategically chosen—close to the felled trees—ensuring that the replacement trees mirror the ones that were lost, contributing to our country lanes character and visual appeal.

The young trees are protected by biodegradable tree guards, helping to prevent the detrimental impact of plastic waste on the environment and reducing our carbon footprint.

Our hope going forward is that this concerted effort will have a lasting impact on our woodlands and roadside trees for many years to come.