Tree nursery for regeneration in East Mendips

Our Whatley team is working in partnership with several organisations to help manage the impact of ash die back disease (ADB) across our landholding in the East Mendips.

With many affected trees in the Vallis Vale ancient woodland area already identified as needing to be removed, we’ve been working with Somerset Earth Science Centre (SESC) in Stoke St Michael to nurture replacement trees and have started the development of a tree nursery at Whatley.

The saplings, including wych elm, will be looked after by SESC volunteers until they are big enough to be replanted in their permanent locations.

Surveys are also being carried out in conjunction with Natural England and the Forestry Commission at Whatley and, at Asham Wood, with an emphasis on regeneration, which will underpin our emerging ADB management plan.