A DORSET MP said he was delighted to help a farm out at the start of its winter season to promote wildlife-friendly farming by planting a tree.
MP for North Dorset, Simon Hoare, visited the Countryside Restoration Trust’s (CRT) Bere Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone, in his constituency on Thursday, December 2.
He planted a mountain ash in one of the hedgerows on the farm as part of National Tree Week, an annual celebration of trees that marks the start of the winter planting season. It is hoped that the berries of the mountain ash will provide a vital source of food for British birdlife in the years ahead.
The CRT has been working to plant trees and hedgerows across its farm, as part of its mission to promote and advocate for wildlife-friendly farming. The CRT are planting an organic mixed orchard in the weeks ahead, and pupils from the local primary school will be invited to come and visit it.
Simon Hoare MP said: “I love being outdoors, and I love planting trees, so I was delighted to plant this mountain ash as part of National Tree Week. The tree’s berries will supply a vital source of winter food for our cherished British birdlife. The British farming sector is leading the way in supplying our nation with high quality food while protecting biodiversity.
"Climate change and the nature challenge are intertwined with farming, and I know that many farmers consider themselves to be custodians of our land. Whether we’re planting trees, like today, or cultivating the land, we are making changes now that we might not see the benefits of – but our children will. Hats off to the Countryside Restoration Trust for all that they do.”
Elaine Spencer-White, Manager of Bere Marsh Farm, said: “The Countryside Restoration Trust is committed to wildlife-friendly farming. We provide vital habitats for wildlife on our working farm, including the recently restored barn owl barn, beehives, and an abundance of hedgerows and trees. We are committed to engaging with the local community, and involving them in our journey, so inviting Simon Hoare MP to plant a tree today is testament to that. We are immensely grateful for his support.”
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