The initiative is supported by £23,000 from the New Forest National Park Authority.
Delivered through the Farming in Protected Landscapes [FiPL] programme, run by Defra, core aims include re-establishing the lime avenue and restoring historic greenery at Brocklehurst Park Estate.
In the past century, the site has lost more than 120 historic trees. At least 10 of these died due to drought conditions experienced in South East England.
Through the new initiative, 130 native species — including lime and oak — have been planted. Although around 6,000 litres of water are used each week to sustain these saplings, and the region is expected to endure increasingly dry and hot summer months in the immediate future, the FiPL funding has paid for a specialised shredder, with can turn green waste into composted mulch.
This moisture-rich resource is introduced to tree roots, reducing water loss, in turn lowering the overall water consumption and giving the trees a much better chance of long-term health and survival. This also creates a vital habitat for a number of species, including grass snakes and slow worms, while 280 varieties of insets, birds, bats and lichens are also supported.
‘This isn’t just about restoring a beautiful landscape, it’s about adapting to today’s environmental realities,’ said Paul Walton, Head of Environment and Rural Economy at the New Forest National Park Authority. ‘Brockenhurst Park is showing how heritage, sustainability, and biodiversity can go hand in hand.
‘We’re proud to be restoring Brockenhurst Park’s historic landscape while making space for nature and building resilience against climate change,’ he continued. ‘It’s a long-term investment in both our environment and our heritage.’
Image: Defra
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