Tree planting event at the mill

Community tree planting event

Saturday 19th March, 1-4 PM.

We had over 35 lovely people join us for our hedge tree planting community event on Saturday. There were people of all ages and backgrounds who took part; locals and visitors to the area.

This took place on a perfect sunny day which also heralded the start of spring.

We received 135 native hedge trees from The Woodland Trust, as part of their ‘Community Trees’ initiative, to support our efforts to improve the overgrown and neglected hedgerow that divides the miller’s garden and the historic meadow. A variety of species were planted such as hazel, common oak and common hawthorn but we also introduced rowan, silver birch, blackthorn, dogwood, dog-rose and crab apple.

20 metres of natural habitat was improved which will benefit a variety of birds, such as coal tit, song-thrush, blackbird, sparrow, long tailed tit, robin, great tit, blue tit, wren, yellow hammer, and of course the sparrowhawk. Red squirrels will also benefit as they use this linear route to traverse, find cover and find food on our grounds.

This will form part of the land/habitat management plan for Eskdale Mill and will provide training opportunities for volunteers. This habitat will enable our team  to find out more about land management practises, wildlife conservation and traditional skills, such as hedgelaying.

If you’re interested in getting involved with our public events or interested in volunteering, get in touch with Kate Hughes, Mill Manager on 01946723335 manager@eskdalemill.co.uk