Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to a question that you have.
Click on each item to view the answer to the question.
What is the “Ovington Trees” project ?
The “Ovington Trees” project is an environmental project focussing on tree and hedge planting to benefit the community
When did tree planting start ?
In 2020, during the pandemic (respecting the rules of social distancing)
Where are you planting trees ?
On private land following negotiations with landowners.
How do you decide what to plant and where ?
Many people have been consulted including:
- A Northumberland County Council (NCC) Ecologist has advised on appropriate trees for our specific location. They also advised around wildlife habitat improvement.
- NCC Highways stipulated that no large trees should be planted next to the highway.
- An NCC Tree Officer has advised on specie selection and maintenance.
- An NCC Archaeologist stipulated that we should avoid tree planting on sites of archaeological interest.
- Local landowners have had input on specie selection as they know their soil, drainage and micro-climate conditions. They also want to avoid planting adjacent to hidden land drains and watercourses.
- Forestry England have advised on specie selection to address climate change.
- The Environment Agency review our plans, especially when we are planting next to the River Tyne.
What species are you planting ?
The focus is on native broadleaf trees.
What is a native broadleaf tree ?
Deciduous trees that are native to the UK. We are using the Royal Horticultural Society recognised list of true native species to make our selection.
Some tree species hybridise in the local environment. We are trying to source true natives for our project, using trees from local suppliers.
Why a native linear arboretum and not woodland ?
An arboretum is a place where trees are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.
Ovington Parish Council (OPC) does not own any land, but discussions with landowners revealed that many are using government farming initiatives to develop copses and large scale planting. OPC agreed with landowners to mainly plant along public footpaths to create tree specie diversity and wildlife corridors. Looking at footpath maps revealed potential to develop two loops to create a linear arboretum. The aim is to showcase tree diversity leading to improved biodiversity, encourage active living, carbon sequestration and an educational environment.
Who is the arboretum for ?
Everyone will be able to benefit through a simple country stroll to the local schools using the arboretum as a living classroom. There are plans to create interpretation boards and nature specific trails to help identify plants and animals that live in or near the trees.
How can a native linear arboretum be as colourful as say Westonbirt Arboretum ?
We are mixing trees together in hedgerows and free standing plantings to give colour and interest throughout the year via flowers, fruits and changing leaf colour. This also benefits local wildlife.
Who provides the trees ?
We benefitted from NCC ‘free tree scheme’ and have had huge support from Woodland Trust and from local small growers. Other trees have been purchased from UK tree nurseries.
Where has the money come from to pay for all this ?
We are extremely grateful to local people for making donations and fundraising through village activities and the support of Ovington Community Group (OCG). Additionally we have been successful in bidding for funds from Northumberland Climate Action Fund, The Thornton Family Community Fund, Woodland Trust and The Northern Forest.
Who does the planting ?
A superb gang of volunteers within Ovington, other nearby villages and towns, plus groups such as Ovingham Community Orchard and Whittle Dene CIC. We have also reached out to other groups such as CPRE, Tyne Rivers Trust Volunteers and community groups in Prudhoe and Hexham.
What about maintenance of the trees ?
Every year, volunteer days in spring and autumn tackle tree maintenance. Some landowners have agreed to undertake maintenance for trees planted on their land. Professional services are needed to supervise some areas such as the River Tyne planting and contractors are needed for power tool work. Such services will be funded by OPC using the Tree Fund.
How do you trace trees you have planted ?
We have a kind volunteer in Ovington who uses mapping software to plot trees as they are planted. This enables us to identify what is where.
Do you know where the oldest trees are in the parish ?
Around the village, along the back lane up to Overdene and along the higher level of footpath alongside Whittle Dene there are some venerable and noteworthy trees. We do have volunteers identifying these for the official register Ancient Tree Inventory, held by the Woodland Trust (ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ ). This is painstaking work and will take time. You can view trees already identified on the Ancient Tree Inventory site.
Is there a plan ?
Yes, OPC have a long term detailed plan. Initial tree planting will continue until the end of 2024 when the linear native tree arboretum will be launched through a series of events. After that the focus will be on maintaining the tree stock we have and replacing any dead or diseased trees.
Is there a website ?
You’re looking at it.
The plan is for this website to continue to evolve throughout the project. It will provide digital maps, information on trees and specie selection, details of wildlife and nature trails, plus a diary of events planned at the key destinations along the route. In undertaking this work we are creating a brand and are planning a social media campaign to reach out to as many people as possible. We have someone working on the social media elements and are also looking for other people to help with this.
How do we find the route?
Digital maps are available from our website. Waymarkers and interpretation boards are being developed and will be installed when we have gained planning permission.
How can we get involved?
OPC work closely with OCG to organise events, such as tree planting, maintenance or fundraising. If you would like to be kept up to date Ovington Parish Council website is regularly updated with tree project progress. You can join OCG’s mailing list to be updated on events or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/OvingtonVillage/
You may also email us at [email protected]