Latest news, and christmas tree rental service, from Woodland B.A.T.S.

This news from Sudbury conservation group, Woodland B.A.T.S.  comes courtesy of the Chairman, Peter Clifford:

 'It's been a while since we since we contacted you and with the colder weather you would think we would be less busy - but not so!

Tree Delivery:

Firstly we received a delivery of over 400 trees from the Woodland Trust - only little whips, but they have gone in the ground in packets until we can plant them out properly early next year.

We are also steward for a similar delivery to Sudbury Town Council, including a couple of oaks that were grown from seed at the Queen's estate at Sandringham.

Most of the trees, 6 or 700 of them will go to replace the dead developer's stock in Abbots Close, the estate on the opposite side of the road from Tesco.  Depending on the weather, planting is planned for February and we want to involve the local community including children. So we will be needing your help too!

Ash Die Back Disease:

The really bad news is that the UK is likely to lose up to 90% of its Ash Trees to this horrible new fungus to Britain which has come in from the continent.

We have one large ash tree in the tree nursery that looks as though it is already dead and 3 or 4 smaller ones.  In some areas their loss will have a dramatic effect on the landscape.  There are 100s in parts of Ager Fen not far from Sudbury.

Not much we can do now, except look out for the ash trees that survive and collect their seed so we can start all over again. 

Fortunately, we don't generally cultivate them in the tree nursery because they are such prolific self-seeders.

The Green Taxi Company:

We were  contacted a couple of months back by the Sudbury Taxi Company who, keen to reduce their carbon footprint, had been in touch with our mentors Green Light Trust at Lawshall.

Green Light in turn put them  in touch with us and a enthusiastic bunch of around 6 young people connected with the company turned up to help with some planting and pruning work and to build up some carbon credits.

A few weeks later they turned up again with a group of young children from a youth group and again they all mucked in digging, weeding and re-planting at the tree nursery. Most of them seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sudbury Taxi Company to their own credit now run a fleet of eco dual fuel Toyota Prius, not only cutting their own fuel consumption but helping the planet too.  All power to them.

So if you need a eco taxi for journeys long or short give them a call on 01787 377366.

Rent a Christmas Tree:

If you have been to our tree nursery recently, you may have noticed that we have grown a few Christmas trees just for fun.

Some are still small but others have bloomed into 4 footers so we have decided to sell them or if you like even rent them! Pay a deposit and a rental fee, and after Christmas bring them back and we will plant them in the ground again.  But please take the decorations off first!

To acquire a tree, drop by our stall at the Sudbury Lights Switch On Christmas Market outside the Town Hall on Friday evening the 30th November and we can let you have one then - if we have any left!

If we don't see you in the immediate future, have a very enjoyable Christmas - and keep your boots handy for a spot of tree planting in the New Year.'

If you want to know more about Woodland B.A.T.S, and/or would like to help, information is available from Peter on 01787 371798