By Isle of Wight Observer
Families and people of all ages came together on Saturday to work with three charities, and plant new wildlife hedging at the IW Steam Railway’s Havenstreet Station.
Members of the IW Steam Railway Calbourne Club, joined Wight Nature Fund and Aspire Community of Ryde, to plant 450 fruiting hedge plants.
These included hazel for nuts, blackthorn for early pollen and sloes, elder for pollen in May and June, and berries, dog rose for pollen through the summer, and rose hips in the autumn, and rowan for berries. The hedge was planted next to the site of the Wight Nature Fund’s autumn hedgelaying competition.
Led by Thomas Cowley, trustee of Wight Nature Fund, the lengths of hedging were planted to link up young trees forming the new Heritage Orchard.
As the orchard and hedging grow, local wildlife, including pollinating insects and butterflies, birds and red squirrels, will benefit from a richer environment.
The location is particularly important for providing insects to support the rare Bechstein’s bat population in the nearby Briddlesford Copses.
Visitors to the Steam Railway will also benefit from a more attractive area, with spring blossom and fruit in the autumn.