Written by: David Drummond
2026
Last year at Greenmount, we set about reviving our existing tree plantations to include native species and more valuable wildlife friendly plants. In March 2026, CAFRE Sportsturf students undertook a tree planting session in one of our shelter belt areas. This plantation has been in place for around forty years and is mostly comprised of beech, oak, field maple and alder.
It was within this setting that we introduced our new residents: holly and hazel. We chose these species as they offer excellent habitat for invertebrates and pollinators. For example, when mature, hazel provides an early food source in the form of pollen rich catkins for emerging queen bumblebees after a long winter of hibernation, as well as nuts for mammals later in the year as winter sets in. Many years ago, red squirrels were present on campus, and it would be fantastic to see such charismatic creatures return to our woodlands.
Holly provides flowers for pollinators and berries for songbirds. Wrens often seek out dense shrubbery like this to build their intricate, jewel like nests. This was a fun and worthwhile exercise, and hopefully enjoyed by all involved.
