The Wood Wardens have an ambitious project aiming to grow and plant 300 Prime Oaks in Sherrardspark Wood over the next 10 years.  The first sapling planted is coming on well.

Each autumn acorns from sessile oak trees are collected and grown on in pots for 2 to 3 years.

The strongest and straightest specimens are selected and then planted in suitable locations in the wood. Each sapling is planted inside a netting cage to give protection from grazing by muntjac deer.

Every year the saplings are checked and competing weeds removed to encourage the saplings to thrive.

The first sapling was planted out in 2018 and now in autumn 2021 it is going well, towering over the project’s leader, Gary Dobrin.

With care and attention from our volunteers it is hoped that a new generation of strong and healthy sessile oaks can be added to the fine stands of existing oaks that can be seen in the wood.

To see more pictures of the project look in the Prime Oaks folder in the Gallery.