The plantation in question is mainly planted with Norway spruce the last
planting being made 3 yrs. ago. There are many large trees 10ft.+
(apparently low demand) And the stock has been badly managed ... bad
planting methods (too close together, no soil preparation), insufficient
weed control using strimmers (slow and mishaped growth.) damage from aphids
and a bad pesticide spraying program. A high proportion of the trees are
badly mishapen and not realy fit for sale. There are two small area's of
nordsman firs in the field (200-300 trees).
I am very interested in using methods that would avoid the use of
chemicals. I have also been toying with the idea of using sheep to keep
the grass down and planting other species of christmas tree to limit pest
damage.
We are also keen to diversify into other area's we have considered growing
willows for wood and plants with attractive foiliage for selling
An area has been cleared for planting. We intend to rotavate
incorperating some rotted horse manure then broadcast sow green manures and
predetor attracting plants then plant into this using cardboard matts
around each tree to suppress competiton.
My partner started to dig a pond last summer using his very old JCB which
broke down but has now been fixed we're waiting for the clay soil (6"-12"
top soil) to dry out so we can get onto the field again and finish it off.
We are currently operating on a very low budget and time is also a bit of
a problem as we both have full time jobs
Any suggestions of what else to grow or do with the land and advice on any
of the above would be much appreciated
We have good access to the land and a public footpath runs down one side
seperated by a mixed hedge
Yours
Darren Hill (ogs@iname.com)
Surrey U.K.
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