Twig Landscaping and Countryside Management of Lamberhurst in Kent has just completed the first phase of a mammoth planting scheme at the ninety one hectare Thanet Earth glasshouse complex.
Hawthorn, hazel, dogwood and trees such as maple, beech shrubs, as well as clematis and lonicera climbers will help to attract a diverse range of wildlife which, it is hoped, will thrive on the food rich environment. The planting was completed in just two and a half weeks.
The second phase of the project, which will see fifteen thousand indigenous trees planted into the chalk grassland, is now under way.
As well as the shrubs and trees, Twig have seeded the with a native grass seed and wild flower mix.
It is anticipated that the site's biodiversity will attract wildlife such as the grey partridge, skylarks, yellow wagtails, small heath and wall brown butterflies and plants including bee orchids, and other different types of wild flowers.
The calcareous mix has been chosen because it is suitable for the site’s chalky soil, and is being applied by both hydraulic and conventional seeding techniques.
The Thanet Earth site has attracted much interest because of its ambitious plan to supply fresh salad crops to the British dining table all year round.
When complete, there will be seven glass houses covering an area equivalent to eighty football pitches.
The site, which is situated at Monkton on the Isle of Thanet comes at a time when food miles are debated greatly and the nation is turning attentions to growing food in a much more communal and local way.
David Eyre, Twig's owner, has recruited four extra local people to assist with the project. “We are really pleased to be involved in this fantastic project.
“We are an expanding team and I am extremely proud that we have successfully carried out such a large-scale task, both on time and on budget. Twig has worked closely with Thanet Earth to keep the costs to a minimum whilst adhering strictly to the brief.
“Our philosophy is always to landscape with conservation in mind and this is exactly what we are doing at Thanet Earth.
“The trees, shrubs and chalkland will not only make a real difference to the site’s appearance, but will also create suitable habitat for an abundance of wildlife.”
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