Oak tree planting: 14th October

Join us in transferring oak saplings into the new hedge in Long Ashton.

There's a grand, old oak tree in the LAGS allotment field in Long Ashton (see map). Last autumn, many of the acorns dropped by the tree took root and - one year later - they're robust saplings, ready to be moved into spaces of their own to give them their best chance to thrive.

Mixing local oak trees into our newly-planted hedgerow (that extends from this farm along the railway to Bridge Farm) will bolster the biodiversity of the hedge, so we're hoping volunteers can join us to make this happen.

Oak tree planting in Long Ashton

Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025

Time: Between 10:00am – 1:00pm (join for as much/little time as you have)

Access via: Theynes Croft, Long Ashton, BS41 9NA

Meeting point in field: What3Words - robe.raft.bits

Equipment: Tools provided, but feel free to bring gloves/spades if you have them

Why oak trees?

It's well worth transplanting these saplings as they would crowd each other out if the continue to grow in their current position. Oaks are one of nature’s true champions, supporting an incredible variety of life and helping to keep ecosystems healthy and balanced.

It's said that over 2,000 species are linked an oak! This ranges from tiny insects and fungi to birds, bats, and even large mammals. Acorns are a favourite snack for deer, squirrels, jays, and wild boar (maybe less so in Long Ashton!), while the caterpillars that feed on its leaves become an essential food source for baby birds in spring.

Their large, sturdy branches and hollow trunks provide safe homes for nesting birds and roosting bats, and as the tree ages, its decaying wood becomes a treasure trove for fungi and insects. An oak’s wide canopy casts a cooling shade that creates a welcoming environment for wildflowers, mosses, and other plants on the ground.

And finally, oaks are great for the soil and climate. Their fallen leaves enrich the ground, their deep roots help prevent erosion, and they lock away carbon for centuries. With lifespans that can stretch over hundreds of years, oak trees are living ecosystems in themselves, supporting life for generations. With a bit of luck, these young oak saplings will outlive us all by hundreds of years.