High Stakes Tree Planting

Jess, Kelley, Jack and Sheila joined the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways Group to plant some trees along York Stream.

We were given precise instructions on how to plant the small saplings - each needed to be planted within an area cleared of vegetation to a diameter of 1 meter. Whilst listening to the instructions, a pigeon took umbridge at Jess standing underneath his tree, and some well-aimed poop landed on her sleeve. Luckily Jess was well-prepared with baby wipes and soon dealt with the mess.

We split into two groups, the seasoned waterways volunteers took to the boat to tackle the planting on the very overgrown far bank, whilst we stayed on the towpath side.

Each planting site had each been pre-marked with a stake labelled with the latin name of the tree to be planted there, so making it simple for us. All the trees are British natives, and we have been practicing learning their latin names- Sorbus, Betula, Fagus, Corylus and Acer.

Clearing the ground ready for planting proved to be difficult, with very tight-rooted grasses, and some brambles to contend with in places. Each sapling was placed in the hole, firmed in, covered with a protector and the stake hammered home. Some over-enthusiastic stake-bashing resulted in a couple of broken stakes which will have to be replaced at the next session. Each planting was finished off with some bark mulch and watering from a holey bucket.

Hopefully these trees have been given the best chance to survive, and will be enjoyed for years to come along this busy walkway. A very enjoyable session rewarded with some welcome snacks - we had finished our allotted trees ahead of schedule and just before the rain started. Result!