Tree Guardian volunteers seen on Davey Drive and Horton Road corner

Tree Guardians seen on Davey Drive and Horton Road corner, 5th May 2024, Growing Hollingdean volunteers — *Mirabelle Tree 032*

First Sunday in May 2024 volunteers improved protection for some of Hollindean’s trees

Seven Tree Guardians got together on 5 May 2024 on Davey Drive and the corner of Horton Road to stake and fence the fruit and nut trees.

This small green triangle has ten trees: Cherry, Hazel, Cherry Plum, Rowen, Mirabelle, Hawthorn and French Cherry.

See our tree map for more information. Two trees are being staked here. Wire fencing is added to protect the tree from mowing or strimming. Below you can see the kind of damage that can result from mowing or strimming a tree’s bark, which can let in disease and even result in the tree being killed.

We found ladybirds (Latin name: Coccinellidae) on these trees feasting on the aphids that can harm the fruit, resulting in a poor crop. That is why we love our insects-they have a useful job to do!

Did you know… ‘There are more than 40 species of these familiar beetles in Britain. Many are predatory on aphids and other insects, a few eat fungi or plants.’ says RHS

We look forward to seeing you at the next Tree Guardians, 2 June 2024

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Growing Hollingdean

Growing Hollingdean is a volunteer group of local residents that help develop community growing and wildlife spaces in the Hollingdean area