North Esk Reservoir woodland project
North Esk Reservoir, Carlops, Scottish Borders, EH26 9NH
The site
North Esk reservoir is situated approximately 2 miles west of Carlops in the Scottish Borders. The reservoir is part of a series of reservoirs which once fed the Water of Leith and allowed the water-course to be highly industrialised in the past. The reservoirs are no longer used for this function and the North Esk Reservoir has been managed as a nature reserve for some years. It attracts a wide range of bird species ranging from duck, geese and swan species to cormorants. Situated in the heart of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, the North Esk Reservoir is a beautiful and rural site which is only 20 minutes from the edge of Edinburgh.
The project
The nature reserve is New Caledonian Woodlands first tree planting site. The objective of the project is to encourage regeneration of the native species woodlands which would have existed before deforestation in some areas of the site. At one time, 80% of the geographical area of Scotland would have been covered in woodland, but this figure is now below 20%, with about ½ of this remaining area being non-native monoculture woodlands which is a poor quality habitat. Over a period of a few years, a few thousand trees will be planted at the site, with this work taking place in the winter months. This will greatly enhance the biodiversity of the site and make it more attractive to animals, birds, insects and plants.
Tree planting is about a lot more than simply the planting of the trees – it is necessary to protect the trees from being eaten by deer, sheep and mice and from other vegetation such as grasses, which will compete with the trees for light, nutrient and moisture while the trees are small. The work on this project will involve weeding around each tree and laying down mulch matting made from recycled carpet to give the trees the best chance for growth in the first 5-10 years of their life. Taller guards will also replace the smaller ones to protect the trees from deer. Finally, stiles and signage will be put in place to encourage people who have had a tree planted at this site to come and visit it.
