This was just one of the whispered objections to our Woodland Trust-funded woodland creation on Fremington Edge. But heyho, we did it anyway. And what an uplifting sight it is at this time of year (in our opinion anyway).
When the trees are in the leaf but the bracken is yet to come up, you can really appreciate how this sea of tree tubes is slowly transforming into woodland on its own terms—with some of the established saplings now towering 3-4m tall.
Pockets of natural regen are also springing up. Is this the result of the new seed source, the absence of stock, or our ongoing rabbit control efforts? We’ve no idea but we’re very pleased to see it.
The walk/cycle along the southern perimeter of the plantation has been made a little easier too thanks to the ongoing efforts of YDNPA volunteers who are improving the bridleway over a series of workdays throughout the summer.
And if you feel like staying and soaking in the renaturing vibes for longer, you can. We now have two ReWild spaces bookable year round on CampWild. You can read more about the org and its ethos in a recent Guardian article here (Pine Island look familiar?).
The newly-refurbished Heggs Basecamp is also open for nearly-wild camping up until 31st October. The space includes exclusive use of the off-grid bothy, adjacent camping area with firepit, and compost loos for groups of up to 6 people. More info and photos at heggsfarm.com (and a huge thanks to FIPL for part funding the repair works).
Looking ahead, we have a busy few months, with guided group visits as part of the Swaledale Festival, Richmond Walking & Book Festival, and Yorkshire Rewilding Network Summer Site Visits (tickets for the latter still available). We’ve also teamed up with CampWild for our very first Conservation Campout in June—24 hours of micro conservation activities and talks in the company of likeminded people.
All we need now is a little bit of rain…
Heggs-Castle Renaturing Project 