Rural Skills Newbattle Abbey College

Clearing wild privet to allow clear access was the order of the day.

Well done Team RS

Some ground maintenance at the start of this week, weeding and then mulching to reduce the use of weedkiller.
Nice to see some bulbs flowering.

Below are some pictures of the rewilding over time from Mar Lodge Estate

A great visit over the weekend to Mar Lodge estate.
This event was organised by the British Deer Society.
Some fantastic conversations on rewilding forests and the management of such areas.
It was hosted in the ghillies ballroom at Mar Lodge.
Guests from the Irish Deer society presented on the issues with Sika Deer in Ireland.
Neil Mclntyre a well known author and photographer gave a wonderful look at his wildlife photography.

Some of the culverts in Lord Ancrums wood were in need of our attention to clear them out.

Well done Team RS, you done a great job.

Last of the tree planting this week

Well done Team RS

Planting up some fruit bushes for the tree and shrub planting unit

Well done Team RS

Monday and Tuesday this week were all about the trees, from new saplings to trees that are hundreds of years old!

Just imagine for one minute if trees could could talk? what stories would they share!

WW1....WW2..... planes passing over .....
What stories they would tell!

Well, a little damp for today's project!

First we made some tree stakes from some recycled wood.
Then off in to Lord Ancrums wood where we were planting Hazel saplings.
Then in the afternoon we were off planting up the river bank.
Three days of planting and thats a wrap, 415 new trees planted by the one and only Team RS

Food for thought!

🌲 Typical planting rates in professional planters
- 800–1,200 trees/day — common for experienced planters on average terrain.
- 1,500–2,000+ trees/day — possible for elite planters in ideal conditions (flat ground, light soils, small bare‑root stock).
- 300–700 trees/day — more realistic on steep slopes, heavy clay, brash-covered ground, or when planting larger cell-grown stock.

Well done Team RS, you can have the weekend off to dry out and i will see you bright and early Monday! 😁

Tree planting is vital because it strengthens ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and helps stabilise the climate. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and cool the environment, reducing the impact of rising global temperatures. Their roots prevent soil erosion, improve water retention, and reduce flooding risks. Woodlands also provide habitats for countless species, helping restore declining wildlife populations. In towns and cities, trees improve air quality, create shade, and enhance wellbeing by offering green spaces for people to enjoy. Planting trees is a simple, long‑term investment in a healthier planet, supporting both environmental resilience and stronger, more sustainable communities for future generations.

Well done Team RS