In March 2021, Steve Joul, then a ranger with Leeds City Council, planted an orchard of ten apple and pear trees to the north of the disused rugby pitch on Crag Lane. This was part of the Council’s Woodland Creation Scheme in response to climate change. Steve’s son helped to plant the trees and helped Steve to water them over their first Summer.
Four years on the trees are doing well but rabbits and deer are nibbling at the bark which, if not prevented, will kill the trees. All the trees are showing signs of damage.
At Steve’s suggestion, Friends of Adel Woods applied to Alwoodley 2030 for a grant to purchase ten tree guards to protect the trees and we are very grateful that the request for a grant was approved. Over the last eighteen months, Alwoodley 2030 with the help of ranger David Preston have done work to look after the trees.
This morning, yours truly and Steve went out in somewhat wet, windy, and cold weather to put the new tree guards on the trees. The tree guards are plastic mesh which wraps around the trees and which we secured with ties You can see a tree guard ready for use in the left hand side of the photograph above. We successfully protected all ten trees, just in time for lunch. Interestingly, Steve pointed out two rabbit burrows, just a few yards from the trees!
You can find out more about the planting of the trees and their varieties in our blog entry for the 18th March 2021.
About Friends of Adel Woods (according to Chat GPT)
Friends of Adel Woods is a community group dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Adel Woods, a picturesque woodland in North Leeds, England. Established in July 2009, the group has been instrumental in maintaining the woods and fostering community engagement.
Formation and Early Activities
The group was founded with the aim of preserving the natural beauty of Adel Woods and promoting its enjoyment among local residents. Since its inception, Friends of Adel Woods has organized monthly meetings to carry out various conservation tasks, including:
- Clearing paths to improve accessibility.
- Installing bird and bat boxes to support local wildlife.
- Removing litter and fly-tipping to maintain the woods’ cleanliness.
These efforts have significantly contributed to the upkeep and enhancement of the woodland area.
Educational Initiatives
Beyond conservation work, the group has organized numerous educational walks and talks, enriching the community’s understanding of the local environment and its history. These events have covered a range of topics, from local flora and fauna to the historical significance of the area.
Community Impact
Friends of Adel Woods has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community among local residents. By actively involving individuals in conservation efforts and educational activities, the group has strengthened the bond between people and their natural surroundings. Their ongoing dedication ensures that Adel Woods remains a cherished and well-preserved space for future generations.
Be part of Friends of Adel Woods!
If you would like to be part of FOAW, please come along to one of our monthly meetings or get in touch through this website – you should find a “comment” button below.
Friends of Adel Woods 