Hedging bets for wildlife

01/02/2008

A selection of fruit and hedge trees has been planted at Lound Lakes to help educate school children and enhance wildlife.

Community volunteers planted five fruit trees and 225 native hedge trees which will be used for educational visits by school parties and also add a new habitat and food resource for wildlife.

The trees have been donated to the Essex & Suffolk Water-owned site through a community fund set up by Norfolk County Services.

The fruit trees are of local variety and the conditions will be right for them to fruit well. These trees will provide apples, cherries, medlar and greengage fruit.

The native hedge will protect the trees from cold and windy weather.

Essex & Suffolk Water abstracts water from the lakes which is processed through a treatment site and supplies water to the towns of Lowestoft, Belton and Hopton.

A number of key species have been identified at the site including pillwort, orchid, dragonflies and otters.

Holly Berwick, hydrological assistant for the Broads Authority said: “The use of local variety fruit trees will help preserve regional heritage and ensure that the trees are suited to the soil and climatic conditions of the reserve.

“The hedge will act as a shelter belt for the fruit trees, protecting them from frost and strong winds and providing additional habitat for birds and insects.”

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For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212 010.