Ideas for types of tree planting

Inspiration for types of tree planting

Community orchards

We often think of apples and pears when it comes to orchards. Plums, damsons and cherries too.

But you could consider these other delicious options:

Medlar
Green gage
Mulberry
A 'nuttery' (where nut trees grow), that contain different species of cobnut (type of hazelnut)
If you have a large space, you could try:
- Almond
- Pecan

Find local and heritage tree varieties and planting information at East of England Apples & Orchards project.

Arboretum

An arboretum is a collection of trees that link in some way, eg by tree type or a story.

For example they could link by local history, the community, a commemoration, or art.

You could start a new venture or build on existing trees in the landscape. Or you could do a local tree trail.

Food forests

Food forests are like an orchard but more complex.

If designed well, a food forest can provide a greater variety of food in a sustainable way. The Forest Gardening - The Agroforestry Research Trust has information to get you started.

Pollinator-friendly planting and management

Your project could take part in the national 'B-Lines' initiative run by Buglife. This project aims to link Norfolk to the rest of the country via superhighways.

The primary aim is to create or enhance wildflower grasslands. The project also sees the importance of hedgerows that provide both food and shelter.

Get more information on the Buglife website including how to participate.

Mini Forests

Want to fit a lot of trees in a small space, maybe the size of a tennis court? A tiny forest could be the answer.

Get information on how to grow your own tiny forest on TED.

Woodcrafts

Many of the old ways of doing things had to be sustainable. For example, old traditional skills such as willow weaving, green woodworking and carving.

Many woodlands exist today because of wood production for building or craft. In Norfolk, hazel coppice with standards of oak, ash or hornbeam were usually used. Or planting willow beds where the ground was wet.

Get Norfolk-based inspiration on what you can make from woodlands on the Coppice Products website.

Lost hedgerows

New hedgerows are great. But there is much scope to improve lost and defunct hedgerows in Norfolk.

To find out where historical hedges once were in your area, go to the Norfolk Trees and hedges map. Navigate to the OS First Edition layer tick box in the right-hand side menu.

Read PTES' article on why we need healthy hedgerows.

Better managed existing hedgerows

You can improve existing hedgerows for wildlife and more. See Norfolk Wildlife Trust's guide to healthy hedgerows.

Woodland Natural regeneration and rewilding

Self-seeded young trees are protected allowing them the space and time to regenerate woodland habitat naturally. This also allows woodland flora to establish from the adjacent woodland. See The Tree Council website for useful information on natural regeneration.

Rewilding has a similar aim for woodland. Get information on the Rewilding Britain website.

Planting hedges

In some cases, you can plant hedges to prevent snow drifts on the roads. You must consider other health and safety issues before implementation.