The Roving volunteers were working in the orchard at the Knapp and Papermill last week.
Yesterday we planted four apple replacement trees in the
orchard: two bramley and two Annie Elizabeth (named after Darwin’s daughter) –
the varieties that are there already.
We have lost 2 trees to the storms this year and one was
damaged in last year’s storms by a fallen ash. The 2 windblown apples were good
and solid so we decided to prop them up to provide good quality deadwood for
noble chafers, fungi and invertebrates in general. Upright trees get more
direct sunlight so are warmer and generally less damp than log piles -
providing a different type of deadwood habitat. The trees were secured in place
using plain wire and are attached to fence strainers. They will be monitored
for stability.
James, Central Reserve Officer
Hi James
ReplyDeleteI was wondering could the dead trees you leave standing in the orchard harbour and spread disease to the other fruit trees?
Do you happen to know of any research regarding the benefits of dead wood in an orchard, as monoliths and wood piles?
Thank you for the great work you are doing.
Paul
Thank you and congratulations on your work.
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting.
I'm not sure there is a detailed specific study comparing the two but I have seen papers in the past relating to the value of monoliths; but nothing I can put my hand on at the moment. There may be online journals but unfortunately I don't have access to them.
Here at the Trust we're working from general orchard management guidance and veteran tree management practices.
Hope that helps!
James
Thank you, all the best.
ReplyDeletePaul