The Story So Far …
Beginnings
Recognising ash dieback disease in local trees, a parish councillor campaigned to have a professional independent survey of the whole parish free standing trees. Ovington Parish Council (OPC) engaged an independent ecologist to conduct the survey which revealed that over 60% of free standing parish trees were ash and nearly all had evidence of ash dieback disease. The ecologist’s report recommended urgent planting of a wider variety of trees.
OPC held a public meeting to explain the report and its findings. A small group of local villagers agreed to form a team to undertake the tasks needed. OPC appointed a Project Manager to oversee all needed.
As OPC didn’t own any land, any planting would need the permission of landowners. At this time, OPC did not know all the landowners in the parish.
Taking Action
There was only a very small fund available for tree planting and it soon became apparent that this would not buy many trees and certainly would not cover the essential tree protection to stop rabbits and deer eating the new tree growth.
Undeterred, the team began with small activities within the village area, planting 50 trees sourced from a local grower. Two local landowners gave permission for the planting to go ahead. The level of local support for this encouraged the idea of a family day of planting with the support of Ovington Community Group (OCG). This included fun activities for children and free refreshments for all involved. Northumberland County Council (NCC) supported the event with the Queen’s Green Canopy funding for trees. A video of the day can be viewed below (hosted by the NCC website).
Video of the Community Planting Day
The Ball Begins to Roll
A further family event was arranged by OCG. This centred around a treasure hunt to locate places to plant trees (and to collect treasure on the way back). Hot refreshments and activities in Ovington Social Club on their return made it a great family day out.
Discussions with other landlords enabled tree planting around selected large fields and the creation of mini copses. Trees were obtained from local private donors and from other NCC free tree schemes.
The success of these events encouraged the team to be more ambitious. The concept of a linear native tree arboretum was created. A route was agreed with OPC and plans started to be made along with OCG to generate the required funds.
Partnership Building
The Project Manager identified that eleven different landowners would need to be approached to request their permission. Discussions were held with Woodland Trust and one of the landowners to identify what would be involved. Woodland Trust worked with Northern Forest to help fund tree purchases on the understanding that the project would fund tree protection. The optimum route of the linear arboretum would be public footpaths away from main roads. This would include a riverside path, leading to the involvement of Tyne Rivers Trust.
Joint site walks were undertaken with Woodland Trust, Tyne Rivers Trust and landowners. Site visits led to agreements on which tree species would be suitable for planting, precise locations and future management.
An estimate was given by Woodland Trust on the number of trees needed. This set a financial challenge to the project team to purchase tree protection for several thousand trees. OCG assisted with making bids and seeking donors to help.
A Big Job !
We did not fully appreciate the magnitude of tasks we had taken on or the challenges that we faced. Progress often seemed like three steps forward then two steps back. However, Ovington villagers rallied with expertise in different areas to help. Experts in IT, advertising, social media, accounting, design, ecology, carpentry as well as our local potter all provided skills that helped the project. Fundraising to create a village tree mural promoted the tree project. Stalls at the annual village fete raised funds and awareness. OCG regularly provided volunteers with tasty refreshments. Liaison with nearby groups such as Prudhoe Pathforce, U3A, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) enabled a wider range of help. Local libraries displayed information about tree planting events. NCC Climate and Environment team shared expertise. The Project Manager gave talks at local schools to encourage engagement and to help the schools with their tree planting schemes to complement the Ovington Tree Project.
Planning for the Future
By the end of 2024 we shall have planted over 4000 trees. All planting has been done by super volunteers in often challenging weather. One area of the arboretum showcases species that can grow in this part of Northumberland. This is a row of free standing trees between Ovington and Overdene.
Joint site walks were undertaken with Woodland Trust, Tyne Rivers Trust and landowners. Site visits enabled agreement on tree species suitable for planting, precise locations and future management.
Ongoing Works
This is not the end of the project. Work continues to ensure the trees planted thrive. Engagement with the local communities and schools will bring the arboretum to life. The walking routes and digital guides encourage outdoor activity, providing year-round interest for visitors and an outdoor classroom for the schools. Our website holds tree species lists, identification guides and wildlife survey results. As the trees mature, they will capture carbon, their root structure will compact the riverbank to prevent future scouring. They will also absorb arable run-off and their canopy will capture crop overspray. The new hedgerows provide wildlife corridors benefitting existing wildlife and encouraging the return of species lost.
Future events will be held to entertain and inform locals and visitors of the value of our local environment and how to protect and maintain the area.
These events will be in partnership with other local environmental organisations.
There will also be upcoming community events so that individuals can help with planting and maintenance work. We are currently indebted to superb organisations and inspirational individuals who have pledged time and money, and we will need support to continue.
Please keep your eyes peeled to this site as it will highlight upcoming events as they are organised as well as acting as a conduit for any relevant information around the project.
