Please come and join the team from Forest of Marston Vale to remove tree guards at Shocott Spring.
There is plenty of parking at the parking waypoint (do not go into the school) and make your way to the posted coordinates. You will be met here by myself and by Rangers Nicola and Tony who will do a briefing, hand out equipment and we will sign you in. You do not need to stay all day but if you are planning to please bring lunch and a drink. There are no facilities on site.
PLEASE dress for the weather, it may be cold and wet. I can also promise there will be thorns. Wear sturdy shoes and if you have gardening gloves you may want to bring those too. Sorry but no dogs.
Why remove tree guards?
When young trees are planted it is necessary to protect them from the weather and grazing animals. It also helps them to grow straight.
Once the tree has outgrown the guard it becomes just more plastic rubbish on the woodland floor.
The team at FoMV have started a programme of removing these redundant guards from their more mature woodlands and are able to send them for recycling to stop them going to landfill.
Removal is carried out in the winter months to prevent damage to new leaf growth.
About Shocott Spring.
The name derives from the fact it is halfway between Shortstown and Cotton End. Planting started in 2005 and was completed in 2011. The Cardington Hangers are just across the road.
Please register your Will Attend so I can give the Ranger team approximate numbers and keep you updated in case of bad weather or location change.