Mason, Crowle

Planting trees for livestock and wildlife

Humber Forest funded over 2,000 metres of mixed native hedgerow and woodland on a sheep farm in Crowle, North Lincolnshire.

Aims of the project

Improve livestock health and welfare
Increasing habitat connectivity
Natural drainage
Increase local biodiversity
Increase natural pollinator species

Summary of the project

Landowner Roger Mason approached Humber Forest as he was interested in planting more trees on his land. Roger wanted to ensure his sheep have shade and shelter and wanted new hedgerow planting around the boundary of fields to create corridors for wildlife and to enhance security.

Eight woodland corners were planted to provide shelter from the wind and rain and reduce heat stress on his sheep. During lambing, pregnant ewes prefer to give birth in sheltered areas of farmland so once established these woodland corners could help reduce cases of hypothermia and neo-natal deaths.

The hedgerow was planted to define field boundaries and to decrease air and noise pollution from adjacent roads and to improve the welfare of Roger’s sheep. Standard trees were planted in the hedgerow, these larger trees will help shield fields and livestock from extreme weather. While also providing habitats for natural pollinator species that will benefit nearby arable fields.

In total 11,593 native trees were planted on his farm in North Lincolnshire, comprising of 800 woodland trees, 118 standards, 10,675 hedge whips. A range of species were planted. Including all native hedgerow mix consisting of dog rose, blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel and dogwood. Beech, hornbeam, wild cherry, white willow and Scots pine were included in the woodland pockets.

Project impact:

Improving livestock health and wellbeing: Enhancing the land for his sheep was a key focus for this site from first discussions with the landowner. With the climate changing, ensuring there is adequate shade and shelter is becoming more important to protect livestock from extreme conditions. For example, woodland shelterbelts can provide an important wind barrier which can reduce cases of mastitis.

Enhancing wildlife: Humber Forest worked with a trusted ecologist on this site who said: “Planting hedgerow and woodland on this site would comply with Natural England’s proposals for improving nightjar foraging habitat within 6km of Thorne and Hatfield Moors Special Protection Area (SPA).” The planting will also aid the movement of wildlife improving genetic variation in a landscape dominated by mosaic open farmland.

Natural flood management: Tree Planting will help to alleviate standing water in field corners providing more suitable grazing for sheep. Trees increase soil permeability reducing runoff and helping to slow the flow. Less boggy patches on farms can minimise lameness by reducing foot rot and foot scald within a flock.

“Planting these trees will improve the land for many years to come and I look forward to watching them grow and seeing the benefits.”

Roger Mason, landowner

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I am happy to give the personal details required for processing this form. I understand that they will be held as long as the Humber Forest team is working with the landowner. I understand that the data will be used to help match up landowners with the most appropriate funding package/provider to facilitate tree planting on their site. It will also be used to help with statutory reports to government bodies such as DEFRA. The data will be shared with third party organisations, including the Community Forest Trust and any partner organisations involved in that particular tree planting project. I understand that I can withdraw or update my details at any time. For more information about how we store your data and how you can request your right to withdraw consent to use your personal data later please contact Humber Forest

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