Tree planting project continues at St Issell's Church

As part of Saundersfoot Community Council’s ongoing work at St.Issell's Church, members are delighted to announce that an application for funding to plant trees in the old cemetery has been successful.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Ranger Chris Taylor has been instrumental in both advising on the project and securing the funding. He will now develop the planting scheme, which is due to be implemented in late autumn/early winter.

The trees will be planted using the Miyawaki method, which creates dense, diverse woodland that establishes quickly and supports local biodiversity.

The project will be further enhanced by the addition of a bench, provided by the Men's Shed. Together, the trees and seating area will create a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance, while also serving as a memorial to those buried at St Issell’s whose graves are not marked.

The area for tree planting will be on the junction with Errox Hill.

The Miyawaki Method is one of the most effective tree planting methods because it is based on natural reforestation principles, i.e. using trees native to the area and replicating natural forest regeneration processes. The trees planted by this method grow much faster, jump starting the woodland creation process and capturing more carbon.

Higher biodiversity has been recorded in Miyawaki forests than in neighbouring woodland, so it’s an ideal method for creating diverse forest ecosystems quickly.

Work has been continuing in the Old Cemetery throughout the summer. Following the clearance work carried out by the goats last year, a dedicated group of volunteers meet every Tuesday to clear graves by hand.

Its not all work work work though - they still take time to stop and enjoy nature. 20 minutes of recording using the Merlin app captured song thrush, goldcrest, greater spotted woodpecker, chiff chaff, nuthatch, spotted flycatcher, robin, blackbird and jackdaws!