Image: Open grassy reserve under a partly cloudy sky with distant trees and hills in the background. Text: "The reserve was made stock proof during the summer to make sure wandering sheep stayed on the right field. Now the first stage of fencing is underway. The area of planted trees at the bottom of the reserve are going to be fenced out to protect them from livestock and the track to allow wildlife to be undisturbed during breeding season."
Image: Cattle grazing in a misty field during early morning light with trees in the background. Text: "Our local grazier – Matt Sankey – has had cattle out grazing the aftermath from the hay cut in July. They turned out late due to the dry period as the water supply dried up but they’ve done a great job grazing it down. They came off the fields in mid-November."
Image: Seven volunteers walk across a grassy hill under a clear blue sky preparing for tree planting activities. Text: "Volunteers - The weekly work party volunteers have been out clearing invasive rhododendron, taking out fences in the dingle and to get ready for the tree planting."
Image: Volunteer planting native trees on a grassy hillside under a partly cloudy sky during a reforestation effort. Text: "We have replanted 600 native trees from felling the confier block with the help from Reconomy and our work party volunteers. Bucknell nurseries supplied all the trees – one of the reasons we went with this is because their trees are sourced and grown in the UK aiding their resilience and reducing the introduction of pests."
One year on at Betchcott Hill 🌱
The reserve is now stock-proof, conservation grazing has supported grassland, 600 native trees have been replanted and #volunteers have been out in force.
Thanks to everyone helping restore this special place for #wildlife and people.
#NatureRestoration