Rewilding - the process of soil restoration
When the five acres of land was acquired it was in a poor ecological state. It had changed from agricultural use to horse grazing over the late twentieth century and had been overgrazed with virtually no humus layer. The challenge and my objective was to restore the soil layer. The role of microbes, small mammals and plants considered by most as weeds were key tools in this process. Interestingly I have found the role of dock and thistle for example essential in establishing a humus layer far quicker than would otherwise have been possible. Fast growing plants (weeds) that can overwhelm other plants, when cut back provide the biomass to help restore soil structure at a higher rate. Stems and leaves are biomass and contribute to holding rainwater as well as when placed strategically homes for a range of small animals.
When grasses, dock and thistle are established they vary in height but are usually over a metre high. When cut back (using a scythe is the best way), the leaves and stems provide a layer of dead plant matter which microbes and invertebrates feast on. These primary colonising plants have deep or rhizomic roots which break up the heavy clay soil encouraging worms which were rarely found in the early days. I didn't spot any or very few earthworms in the first 4 to 5 years when digging holes for planting saplings.
Natures compost has built up over the years and I have a wide range of fungi at different times of the year now. An indication of healthy soil.
Grass given chance outcompetes most other plants and is usually a combination of many monocotyledon species.
Creeping thistle dominated for quite a while and brought with it many different species of birds especially Goldfinches. On arriving on one sunny Summer evening I was amazed to see a flock of about 50 of these brightly coloured birds taking flight on my approach. It took several days for me to stop smiling and provided me with an excellent topic for discussion. In my role as a teacher the tales of triumph were often shared with mildly amused students who generally viewed my enthusiasm for this event as a sign of old age setting in.
The ground and soil have changed dramatically over the years, now excess apples, pears, damsons, plums and berries invigorate the humus layer as they decay on the ground. The wildlife visitors to this feast add to the general health of the now fertile soil. There are areas where the invasive plants are left to support biodiversity and the orchard areas more or less maintain themselves with the help of the sheep.
This type of terrain was difficult to manage. I broke at least 5 or 6 scythes hitting lumpy grass and doc hillocks when clearing paths or reducing plant growth around the base of young trees. Nettles gradually started to appear which is a sign the nitrogen content of the soil is increasing. They also provide a valuable habitat for butterflies and caterpillars.
The most fundamental objective for the project has been to show how the production of healthy food can be achieved in a sustainable way alongside and with nature. Organically if you want to call it that. The soil was initially structurally denatured, a heavy clay, compacted from decades of heavy farm machinery meant it took longer for trees to establish themselves. However they produce high quality fruit with enough surplus to sustain and benefit a wide variety of animals and invertebrates. Some trees especially cherry varieties have become home to a diverse group of insects and bird populations and are vital to spring nesting birds. Butterflies feast on ripe fruit on the tree or ground with damsons and plums being particularly favoured.
The plant succession that has taken place is part of a natural process where plants directly influence soil health. The changes can take years or decades to take place but I believe this transition can be achieved a lot quicker by using the very plants that can be seen as a problem. Many factors, for example the existing plants, climate, seeds already in the immediate environment and soil type can impact on the ecology of an ecosystem. Below,grasses have gone to seed at the end of the first year fallow and this process can be thought of as the first stage of succession.
LEFT This shows the improvement of soil quality with grass now starting to dominate replacing the various wild plants in the spring of 2010.
RIGHT Late Summer evening in same year and grass going to seed = SUCCESS
BELOW After about 10 years the ground is able to support a wide range of grasses and saplings have become young trees. The use of sheep means gates are needed to maintain zones.
Autumnal walks on the now established paths show a variety of crab apples and rosehips. Still plenty of blackcurrants and the odd damson and plum provide an autumn feast for birds and insects.
Old broken slabs arranged to provide nooks and crannies for wildlife surrounded by set aside with a small area of fencing to prevent sheep trampling.
Establishing British trees and shrubs formed a key aim in the project providing seasonal nutrition for native wildlife. Dog rose shown above provides nectar and rose hip berries which last well into the winter for blackbirds and rarer species like waxwings.
Combining trees and meadow enables rabbits and other mammals to flourish which in turn provides food for predators. Bramble although difficult to control provides berries and its leaves food for many types of caterpillar but I have found one of its most important to be shelter for wildlife.