Holkham’s iconic Poplars get the chop
The new biodiversity and conservation project, led by the Holkham Forestry and Conservation teams, will allow local wildlife and natural habitats to flourish, whilst also protecting the safety of visitors.
The Holkham Estate, set on one of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of coastline in north Norfolk, is embarking on an important conservation project at the iconic site of Lady Anne’s Drive, with the aim of allowing local wildlife to flourish and increasing the area’s carbon benefits. The project, which has been approved by the Forestry Commission, North Norfolk District Council, AONB, Natural England and Historic England, will be conducted in phases from this February, with all work being carried out by Holkham’s in-house Forestry Team and supported by the Director of Holkham National Nature Reserve – Jake Fiennes. The first phase of the forestry operation will last one week, with the permissive footpath also being closed.
The Holkham National Nature Reserve contains 145 hectares of woodland, including that along Lady Anne’s Drive which was established in 1823. The main access route to Holkham Beach, Lady Anne’s Drive is located just off the A149, opposite The Victoria Inn, and allows visitors to access the beach and The Lookout year-round. The original avenue of Holm oak trees (Quercus ilex) was largely replaced by non-native, fast growing hybrid Poplar trees (Populus/Canadensis), after the 1953 flood killed the majority of Holm oak through saltwater damage. The aim of this planting was to screen the vehicles from the wildlife which thrive on the freshwater Grazing Marshes on either side of the drive, as well as to hide the visual containment from view. Over time, the trees have rapidly grown, with their canopy now too high to provide shelter and also providing a safety concern. As a non-native species, Poplar trees have a limited ecological value compared to native Hawthorn which supports over 300 species of insects including bees and other pollinating insects.
Nurturing Nature
Holkham will remove the Poplar trees over a phased period to enable wildlife to continue to flourish. The first phase of the project will remove 30% of the Poplars and will be completed by 8th February 2021. During the planting season the team will replant the avenue with a mix of native trees and shrubs including Hazel, Hawthorn and Field Maple, which will create a hedge-like screen and wildlife corridor. This will provide habitats and food for insects, small mammals and migratory birds including Fieldfares, Redwings and Thrushes.
Carbon Benefits
Trees will be planted with environmentally friendly guards around them – to prevent grazing from deer, hares and rabbits. These younger trees will take our carbon dioxide, sequesting the carbon and releasing oxygen faster than the older Poplar trees, which are now reaching their maximum rate. The Holkham team will be leaving the stumps and root balls in situ, as they are a carbon sink. They will also rot down as a habitat for biodiversity of invertebrates, fungi and bacteria. The timber extracted will be used as chip for biomass – a renewable energy source.
Jake Fiennes, Director of Holkham Nature Reserve, explains, “The work we are about to undertake on Lady Anne’s Drive will offer significant benefits for the wildlife, flora and fauna of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. The new scrub creation will also enhance the experience of our visitors, whilst the carbon paybacks are icing on the environmental cake.”
Harry Wakefield, Holkham’s Head Forester, concludes, “We are thrilled to be starting work on this project, following many months of collaborative studies and planning with our local, ecological and environmental partners. Woodland management is a pivotal element of Holkham’s aim of being the UK’s most sustainable rural estate. Projects such as this are evidence of the estate’s long-term investment into biodiversity and a healthier environment for future generations.”
This project forms part of an estate wide sustainability and conservation action plan: WONDER. Focussing on three core objectives, WONDER commits Holkham to pioneer environmental gain, champion low carbon living and stamp out waste. For more information and to watch the launch film, click here
4 February 2021
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