Future Challenges…

A growing challenge for local volunteers

For the first 30 years or so of YCV’s planting work in Yaxley, thousands of trees and hedge plants were established without regular watering. Over approximately the last 10 years, however, the need to water new planting has steadily increased.

This presents a considerable practical problem. Many of the areas planted by YCV do not have access to a piped water supply, so water must be transported in containers, a little at a time. The London Road hedge, for example, requires two car loads of water whenever it needs a thorough soaking. Each container holds 30 litres and weighs around 30 kilograms when full. Moving that amount of water is time-consuming, physically demanding work—and even then, some plants die despite everyone’s efforts.

One of YCV’s greatest successes has been the community orchard. Nearly 100 trees were watered during their first two or three years, with approximately two gallons of water applied to each tree during periods of drought. Only four or five trees were lost.

Since then, droughts have tended to last longer and temperatures have risen, placing young plants under greater stress. At planting time, YCV applied mycorrhizal fungi to the tree roots in the hope that this would support root development and improve resilience. The fruit trees planted in 2019 have certainly grown well despite the difficult conditions.

The plums have been the most successful, probably because they were planted on less-dwarfing rootstocks. The apples have more restrictive rootstocks, which can be a disadvantage in dry conditions and may reduce their long-term life expectancy. However, their smaller size does make them easier to manage, prune and reach.

Planning for a drier future

The experience of YCV suggests that planting trees is only the beginning. Future projects will need to consider not just what to plant, but where, when and how those plants can be supported during their establishment.

Several changes may become necessary:

• Planting may need to take place at the most favourable time of year, allowing roots to establish before the next summer.

• More robust, locally suitable plants may need to be selected, while recognising that no plant will be completely drought-proof.

• Tree and hedge designs may need to take account of mature size, rootstock and the availability of water.

• Mulching and improved soil preparation could help retain moisture around new plants.

• Rainwater harvesting and temporary storage could reduce the need to transport water over long distances.

• Planting schemes may need to be smaller or more widely spaced where long-term maintenance cannot be guaranteed.

• Some areas may need to be managed less intensively or allowed to revert naturally, rather than being replanted repeatedly.

This does not mean giving up on Yaxley’s green spaces. It means managing them more thoughtfully and accepting that the best approach in one location may not work in another.

Wildlife must remain the priority

Much of YCV’s work is intended to create better conditions for wildlife. Trees, hedges, grassland and orchards can provide food, shelter, nesting sites and movement routes for birds, insects and other animals. But the natural world is also suffering from changing weather.

Many British species have evolved in a relatively cool and wet climate. Extended dry periods can leave soils hard and cracked, reduce the availability of water and nectar, damage plants and reduce the insects and other food on which wildlife depends. Ponds, ditches and shallow wet areas may shrink or disappear, while newly planted trees and hedges can struggle to survive.

Wildlife cannot always adapt as quickly as the climate is changing. Across the UK, changing temperatures and rainfall patterns are expected to affect many species, including their food supplies, habitats and seasonal behaviour. Climate change also increases the risk that drought, flooding, fire and habitat loss will combine to place additional pressure on already vulnerable wildlife.

For this reason, our local efforts must be directed towards nature as a priority. In practice, that could mean protecting existing mature trees, retaining dead wood where it is safe to do so, creating connected habitats, maintaining ponds and allowing some areas to become wilder. It may also mean accepting a less tidy landscape in places if this provides better conditions for insects, birds and small mammals.

What can we do locally?

• There is no single solution to drought, but many small actions can make a meaningful difference:

• Protect established trees and hedges, which are more resilient and valuable than replacement planting.

• Collect rainwater where possible for use on newly planted areas.

• Water young plants thoroughly and less frequently, rather than applying small amounts that quickly evaporate.

• Use mulch to reduce evaporation and protect the soil surface.

• Avoid unnecessary mowing during periods of drought, particularly where longer grass can provide shelter and retain some moisture.

• Maintain ponds and water sources carefully, while avoiding the introduction of unsuitable plants or animals.

• Choose future planting schemes according to local conditions and realistic maintenance capacity.

• Record which species and planting methods succeed, so future projects can learn from experience.

Recent national reports show that water conditions can recover after periods of rain, but they also underline the continuing uncertainty facing eastern England and the importance of drought readiness. Local groups, land managers and residents therefore need to plan for both extremes: longer dry spells and sudden heavy rainfall.

Yaxley’s green spaces will not remain unchanged. The challenge is to guide that change in a way that supports people and gives wildlife the best chance to survive. By conserving water, choosing plants carefully and allowing nature more space, we can help make our village greener and more resilient.

If you would like to help YCV care for Yaxley’s wonderful natural spaces, please get in touch at secretary@ycv.org.uk.