Riccall Woodmeadow

Situated in the countryside village of Riccall, is a wood meadow that is specifically designed to offer local residents a serene sanctuary to unwind from the daily grind.

What started as an idea to create a wood meadow quickly became a reality thanks to the hard work of the Riccall Lands Charity (RLC). The aim of the project was to create a thriving green space for the local community that could also be used for outdoor lessons for local primary school children and it includes two enchanting ponds, a layered hedgerow, a relaxing willow arch and bothy structure.

A wood meadow refers to an area that is a combination of woodland and meadow. They are vital for maintaining soil health as the trees, wildflowers and grasses that grow within them nourish the soil, helping to support a diverse array of plant species.

Local wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects, also benefit from the creation of woodland meadows. These habitats provide an important source of food and shelter for many species, helping to promote biodiversity.

This project has been a great success so far thanks to the efforts of the RLC and the support of the community. In just two days, volunteers planted 950 native species trees and 50 orchard trees, dug out the ponds, and planted the willow arch and layered hedge. All of this was done with careful planning and the help of trained team leaders who guided the volunteers.

The benefits of this project have been far-reaching, bringing the community closer together and providing a haven for wildlife to thrive. The RLC hopes to create a core group of volunteers known as the "Friends of Riccall Woodmeadow" who will maintain the area and continue to make it a beautiful space for all to enjoy.

If you are considering applying for a grant or running your own tree planting project, take inspiration from Riccall Woodmeadow. With careful planning and community involvement at each and every step, you can make lasting positive change for your local environment.

And to ITF supporters, a huge thank you for donating and helping to improve our environment while bringing communities together.

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