Visualising future tree planting in Northumberland

In 5 years...

This is one potential view of the landscape in 5 years' time, where actions have been taken to increase tree cover.

A few birch trees have started to colonise around the sheltered burn. These are 'pioneer' species that are the first to appear and are able to grow in challenging environments. They start to form a connection with the existing broadleaved trees around the burn, providing summer shade for the burn. This benefits in particular fish, as cooler waters can hold more oxygen. The trees and shrubs will also help in slowing the flow of rain water, which can help reduce flood risk downstream.

Lower grazing rates, which go hand-in-hand with the increase in tree and shrub growth, will result in other changes in the ground vegetation. Species like heather would become bigger plants.

In 15 years ...

In a longer timeframe, the birch trees are now well established. They are quite fast growing species. There are still patches of open ground, a mosaic of scattered trees, heather and bracken.

There are also scattered conifers growing, the seeds probably blowing in from the surrounding forest. One of the conifers is a Scots Pine, which is thought to be a native conifer in Northumberland.

At the top of the slope, the broadleaved trees have started to soften the visual edge of the conifer forests.

What we are seeing generally is a progression of the pattern that was established after 5 years. Allowing for "natural colonisation" means that we don't have the visual impacts of plastic tree tubes, (and the task of collecting tubes in again). But, if this was more of a planting scheme, then the tree tube factor would need to be considered.

In 5 years ...

The plantation woodland is maturing, following the approved planting plan and forest design.

The species in the lower compartments are Douglas Fir and a mix of Sitka Spruce / Norway Spruce. The edges of the planting parcels follow the contours of the land.

There is an open area in the middle of the view. This was left unplanted, to protect the species-rich marshy grassland habitat. Some Scots Pine is planted to the left of that.

Towards the horizon, Sitka Spruce is the main forest tree, with some mixed broadleaved trees visible on the right-hand side. From this distance, we can't see any plastic tree tubes and deer fencing, but broadleaved trees would probably need them.

The farmland in the foreground and to the right of the picture is grazed - supporting the local economy and communities, along with the forestry. The earthworks here, evidence of humans in the landscape from centuries ago, is also left open.

In 15 years ...

We are seeing the progression of the tree growth. Broadleaf trees are growing on the lower slopes and around the forest edges. They help to soften the more angular of the forestry compartments.

Trees now dominate the skyline and open areas, kept open within the planting plan, are now screened by the surrounding growing trees.

The trees will be storing carbon as well as slowing the flow of rainwater reaching the burns and rivers.

In 5 years ...

The hedges have increased in height. There is a taller tree in the hedge about every 10 metres. The fenced enclosures have been planted with a few different species of tree. In each one a major tree, perhaps an oak tree - is planted alongside companion species like elder or hawthorn. These earlier establishing trees provide nectar, pollen and berries for insects.

Using small fenced enclosures means there will be less nibbling on the young saplings by deer. However, plastic tree tubes might still be needed, until the tree is about 10 years old - to protect from rabbits and voles.

The farmland will still to be grazed, maybe by hardy cattle, which can stay outside even in winter without needing a barn and extra feeding. The grazing animals benefit from the shelter and shade that the trees provide, both in the fenced areas and the taller hedges.

The long term aim of this is to create something that looks like parkland, but with space for grazing animals.

In 15 years ...

Here we are seeing the impact of the hedges left to reach their potential - the distant fields are now almost hidden. In hot weather the grazing animals would shelter under the shade of the trees. They might also eat some of them, getting extra nutrients and minerals.

In the foreground we can see the trees and shrubs in the fenced off enclosures are growing well. The parkland-type landscape is starting to form.

It is possible that, once the trees and shrubs are well established, the fenced enclosures are removed, but we have left them in this imaginary visualisation.

In 5 years ...

A few broadleaf species have been planted here, at quite a low density, and people of all ages are exercising on paths and desire-lines. They may even have volunteered to help plant some of these trees.

The species have blossom and, in autumn they will have berries - that will help wildlife such as bees and birds find food and shelter.

They aren't shown in this artist's impression, but in reality, these trees would probably be planted in green plastic tree tubes. This helps prevent rabbits and voles eating the precious trees. Normally by about year 10 the tree tubes can be removed and hopefully re-used on another site.

In 15 years ...

We are seeing the growth of the trees over time - although we can still see the houses in the distance.

People are still enjoying this area, getting the physical health and mental health benefits of exercising in nature. There may also be opportunities for educational access, perhaps through the local school or U3A groups.

In 5 years ...

In the foreground some pioneer species like birch are establishing, although from this view point the vista has been kept open, like an avenue.

The fields in the centre of the image are still grazed, but now with cattle instead of sheep. A new plantation has been planted on the right-hand side.

In the distance we can still see the horizon, but the rougher land now has scattered gorse, willow and other scrub species developing. Also there are broadleaf trees around the lake. Gorse and willow are a useful source of early pollen for queen bees. This type of habitat is also ideal for birds like owls and other birds of prey.

In 15 years ...

The biggest visual change is the birch trees in the foreground. We can still see the farmland in the centre and in the distance, the rougher ground's scrub habitat has developed further.

The scrub will be a valuable area of biodiversity and is an ecosystem that has a whole food web - from small invertebrates, up to hunting raptors.

In 5 years ...

This is still an area for people to walk in, play in, and enjoy. We would want the paths to be open to people of all abilities throughout the lifetime of this woodland.

This picture is spring, so the trees have blossom. Birds and other wildlife are more and more interested in this area - we can see two birds flying in the sky.

To the right, two rows of fruit trees have been planted. This mini, community orchard acts as a visual screen for the telegraph pole from this spot. We can see that at this age, the trees are protected from rabbit, vole and deer damage through the tree tubes. These tubes will need removing about year 10.

We can still see the houses in the distance as the area still has an 'open' feel.

In 15 years ...

The mini orchard on the right-hand side is now producing fruit for people to pick and enjoy, and the area can still be used for walking.

The hawthorn and willow shrubs that were already here have matured. They also now have flowers and berries, useful for lots of wildlife, as well as providing nest sites for birds.

The site has kept its open character, so we can still see the houses in the distance.