Help with environment project needed.

[Wild-Woman]

I had a nice surprise today. I was handed a cheque and told to buy trees.
Basically an agency has given my school a small amount of money for an environment project that will take some years to develop. The first thing we want to do is get some indigenous trees planted soon. Now, I want to get this first bit right. So would someone, who knows about trees, give me some advice on species to encourage wildlife and preparation for planting.
The area already has some poplar trees to guard against the North wind and a small amount of apple and pear trees. The ground was a brownfield site that has been allowed to become sward over some years.
There is also a barrier of brambles that we hope will discourage vandalism.
So, what trees and shrubs and where to start. Thank you for any help, it's much appreciated by myself and 400 kiddies. Julie

[Alan]

Hi Julie, first I’d have good look around the area and see what species of trees seem to be doing well on your particular soil. This should give you a good base to start from. You can then add others to this. It’s ok planting Oak etc, but remember these are slow growing so the current lot of kids may not see the results of the planting for a few years. For this reason I’d mix in some faster growers such as Alder, Guelder Rose or Birch etc, so the kids can see the results more quickly. Maybe even best to plant a hedgerow surrounding the area first!

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

I'd definatly look at planting some Alder as Alan says.They are quite quick growing and are very attractive to birds, especially Goldfinch and Siskin

Maybe intersperse some quick growing species like Alder and Willow with some species that will take time to grow like Oak and Beech. Hawthorn is really good to plant, i particularly like it when it's allowed to grow into a tree rather than just a hedge. You're lucky to already have Brambles as some species like Bullfinch love them

[Wild-Woman]

With the Alder trees, is it possible to get a British species? I've got Italian,Common,Grey and Red. Which one of these? Common?
The birch-would Silver birch be best? It says European so that must include Britain.
I like the Hawthorn idea and the hedge, that would separate it nicely from the field.
Thank you for your ideas so far Lincs and Alan-very helpful. Julie

[honeybee]

who's going to have to plant them? have you thought of getting BTCV involved, they only charge to cover their costs for materials. They do a lot of tree planting for schools etc.

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

With the Alder trees, is it possible to get a British species? I've got Italian,Common,Grey and Red. Which one of these? Common?
The birch-would Silver birch be best? It says European so that must include Britain.
I like the Hawthorn idea and the hedge, that would separate it nicely from the field.
Thank you for your ideas so far Lincs and Alan-very helpful. Julie

The only native Alder is Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) - it is usually a tree of damp places, generally by water.

[nightshade]

Will there be water?,plot the sun around the area to make dappled glades,take note of the
prevailing winds to plan windbreaks.
Trees should interest children as well as being wildlife friendly,Mulberry,Crabapple,Rowan(make sure it is the sort of berry birds like) Medlar, plenty of Nut trees, Conkers,Birch,
to tap for sap, if there is something in it fruitwise the children will have a vested interest
Bullaces if you can find them Hawthorn, Alder,Berbris for vandal proofing

[Lance Morgan]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Will there be water?,plot the sun around the area to make dappled glades,take note of the
prevailing winds to plan windbreaks.
Trees should interest children as well as being wildlife friendly,Mulberry,Crabapple,Rowan(make sure it is the sort of berry birds like) Medlar, plenty of Nut trees, Conkers,Birch,
to tap for sap, if there is something in it fruitwise the children will have a vested interest
Bullaces if you can find them Hawthorn, Alder,Berbris for vandal proofing

Get some Buckthorn (Rhamnus) for the Brimstone butterfly.
Sallow is also very good foodplant for a lot of moth species.

[Earth Hart]

Without a moist soil I'd leave out Alder. Blackthorn, Buckthorn, Rowan, Beech & Common Spindle are the ones I would choose, along with Ash & Oak.

I just love the Spindle Tree.

[eeyore]

Julie take a look here , the woodland trust has free trees available to schools The Woodland Trust