April Volunteer Round-Up: Hedges, Hogweed, and Helping Trees Thrive
Spring was in full swing this April, and our incredible volunteers were out in force across the catchment. While planting season might be winding down, the real work of ensuring our green spaces thrive is just beginning. April was all about maintenance, protection, and kicking off our annual battle against invasive species.
Here is a look back at what our amazing team achieved this month.
Finishing in Style at Rochester
We kicked off the month by putting the final touches on a brand-new hedgerow near Rochester. Hedges are vital wildlife corridors, offering nesting birds safety and creating a highway for small mammals. Thanks to a final push from the team, this site is now fully planted and ready to burst into life.
Catchment-Wide Care: From Tarset to Bardon Mill
Once the spades were packed away for the season, our focus shifted entirely to site maintenance. Tree planting is a long-term commitment; the first few years are absolutely critical to ensure young trees can outcompete weeds and survive the elements.
Our volunteers travelled far and wide across the catchment, undertaking crucial maintenance work in:
- Tarset
- West Woodburn
- Bardon Mill
The team checked on guards, straightened stakes, cleared competing vegetation, and ensured our older planting sites have the absolute best chance to establish themselves and grow successfully into the woodlands of tomorrow.
The Battle Against Giant Hogweed Begins
April also marked the official start of our invasive species management program. Our team headed to the upper reaches of the catchment to tackle the early growth of Giant Hogweed.
Catching this aggressive, non-native species early in the season is vital to prevent it from spreading downstream, choking out native flora, and causing erosion on our riverbanks. It’s hard, vigilant work, but our volunteers tackled it head-on.
A Massive Thank You!
Whether you were finishing a hedge in the crisp morning air, checking tree guards in Bardon Mill, or helping us map and manage invasive species, your hard work is transforming our catchment. We truly couldn’t do this without you.
Want to join us in May? As the weather warms up, our focus will shift heavily into invasive species control and river monitoring. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please email Carol and Jenny at volunteer@tyneriverstrust.org
