Mulching system keeps new woodland alive in drought

A new mulching system has been used to help keep a community woodland alive during the heatwave.

About 40,000 native trees have been planted across 15 hectares (37 acres) in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King's Lynn.

Wendy Brooks, head of environment at Norfolk County Council which was behind the scheme, said it meant the trees were "doing really well" despite the recent hot spell.

The project has been two years in the making and was created for "future generations", the council added.

At the official opening of Wiggenhall Woods, David Bick, the Reform UK leader of the authority, said it was a "marvellous place for families to come".

"It's great for the village, but it's good for Norfolk," he said.

He said it was not "designed to fill a gap" but was part of "long-term thinking".

"What's good about these woods, they've taken parcels of land that weren't particularly good arable land, so they're now being put to much better use."

Patrick Gould, Reform UK portfolio holder for environment and people's access to open spaces, said the trees were planted across three different areas.

"It's been laid out in a terrific manner and ultimately will encourage people to come into the peace and tranquillity of the forested area, and it will be a haven for wildlife," he said.

"Once it becomes more mature, people will come here from far and wide because of the therapeutic properties of walking in woodland.

"It resets your day.

"This really will be for future generations and it will be a great place for the community."

Brooks said the trees had managed to survive in the hot weather.

"There's lots of green growth, they're going to get the best start."

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