The importance of wildlife parks

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The importance of wildlife parks

Set up in 2004, Naio Outdoor Projects Ltd has grown to become a regionally, innovative landscaping brand offering a vast range of landscaping services that are of a premium quality, yet moderately priced.  

Working on both private gardens and commercial projects, landscape design is always at the forefront of our mind.

However, so is the wildlife that we work alongside…

Protecting wildlife

Looking after our green spaces is more important than ever now.  With rising house builds taking over our rural landscape, ensuring that contractors protect the wildlife surrounding is paramount. 

Wildlife conservation

Wildlife conservation is all about the protection and preservation of wild animals, plants, and their natural habitats.  And every time a new housing estate develops, another patch of greenery that may have been home to wildlife disappears. 

Rewilding

However, Rewilding, is a term that concentrates on prioritising the animals and plants first and then looking at how the houses that are built can incorporate that very wildlife into their own home.  Not only does this contribute to maintaining wildlife in an urban environment, but it also helps to improve mental wellbeing, physical health, the environment, ecosystems and wildlife.

Maintaining wildlife

maintaining that wildlife in urban areas is not only interesting, varied and attractive, it also ensure we are supporting those species that we rely on heavily for food, such as bees and butterflies.

Urban green spaces

Urban green spaces, such as playgrounds, parks and residential gardens can assist with relaxation and stress alleviation, supporting physical activity and expose people to nature on their very doorstep. 

​Conserving wildlife

By conserving wildlife, we can ensure that our children and future generations are exposed to nature at a very young age and learn to appreciate the importance of protecting wildlife and enjoy the incredible world we live in. 

That is why at Naio Outdoor Projects Ltd, we ensure that our workforce is aware of their environment whilst landscaping.

We are proud that our staff are aware of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the primary legislation in the UK that protects wildlife, and we endeavour to ensure that any activities are performed in a way that does not disturb the natural wildlife around us and we can remain passionate about protecting it.

Contact us for more information and assistance about wildlife and landscaping at www.naiooutdoorprojects.co.uk

A Guide to Nesting Season

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A Guide to Nesting Season Compliance for arborists, housing developers, contractors and more.

As evenings become lighter, this marks the start of nesting season, when wild birds come together to create houses for their young. 

What is nesting season?

Nesting season, which runs from February to August (with a start date that moves forward with global warming), imposes a high degree of compliance requirements on people who work closely with the natural environment, such as arborists, housing developers, and more. 

All wild bird species, as well as their eggs and nests, are legally protected. Birds have the freedom to reproduce peacefully without endangering their home or family. Individuals must find ways to perform their usual activities in a way that does not disturb breeding birds during this time.

As contractors, you must endeavour to prevent harming nesting birds which would violate the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the European Habitats Directive 1992/Nesting Birds Directive. 

When tree or vegetation clearing work is required during the nesting season, a pre-work survey by a qualified person is required. As a general rule, it is reasonable to presume that birds will be nesting in trees, and it is your responsibility as contractors to assess, document, and confirm that any tree and other vegetation management activity will not disrupt actively nesting birds.

So, what is the law?

If a person violates the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, they will be considered to be breaching the law if they:

  • Kill, injure, or capture wild birds on purpose. 
  • Take, damage, or destroy a wild bird’s nest when in use or being constructed. 
  • Take or destroy a wild bird’s egg on purpose.
  • Possess or transport live or dead wild birds, or portions of them, or their eggs is prohibited. 
  • Sell wild birds or display them for sale. 
  • Use illegal ways to kill or capture wild birds. 
  • Disturb any wild bird listed in Schedule 1 when it is nesting, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturbs the dependent young of such a bird, whether intentionally or not.

If a single bird, nest, or egg is harmed, the penalties include an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, or both.

What is a Schedule 1 species?

Wild birds are divided into ‘Schedules,’ each with its own set of rules. Schedules range from one to four, with Schedule 1 species having the most stringent safeguards – this category covers low-population, endangered, or declining species. 

While the wellbeing of all wild birds is important, Schedule 1 species are considered a higher priority. Intentionally damaging the breeding area of a Schedule 1 species can result in steep penalties and a six-month prison sentence.

Where can nests be found?

Some species begin nesting season as soon as possible, while others wait until the weather cooperates. Many birds in the passerine (perching) family will have several clutches during the nesting period.

As there are so many species with such a diverse range of behaviours, nests can be found in a variety of sites, from roof rafters and lofts to fields, woodlands, and hedges. A common tell-tale sign is the sound of birdsong to attract mates, communicate, or defend their territory.

Nonetheless, it’s reasonable to presume that any outdoor place, particularly wild areas, can be home to breeding birds — whether or not you can hear them.

How can you tell if a nest is active?

If a nest is in use or being created, it is considered active. It is prohibited to destroy it after it has become operational. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for a bird to use a nest once and then abandon it, making it difficult to determine whether it’s still in use. 

However, if you see a nest, it’s wise to be cautious and presume it is still active.

Contact us for assistance – [email protected]  / 01621 893775

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A Guide to Winter Root-ball Tree Planting & Aftercare

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A Guide to Winter Root-ball Tree Planting & Aftercare

While a large portion of winter gardening duties revolves around plant protection, this is also the season when new trees or shrubs should be planted. Planting in cold weather, contrary to popular belief, is less stressful for the plant. 

As a result, bare-root trees and root balls are only available in the UK during the autumn and winter months. Plantings are made during their dormancy to ensure that young trees establish roots in their new home. Regardless of the cold weather, the root ball should be watered frequently once it is planted until it is established.

The importance of trees and green space in providing high-quality places to live, work, and play is universally recognised. We believe that landscaping is a vital component in the overall design of new developments and in creating an environment that people can enjoy. Protecting newly planted trees helps them to become established and improves their chances of survival.

Taking care of newly planted trees can:

  • improve their growth
  • reduce the costs of replacing dead trees
  • reduce the costs of future maintenance
  • prevent plastic littering from poorly maintained tree protection

As specimen or semi-mature trees are a costly investment, proper selection and planting by specialists such as ourselves are vital for optimal plant establishment. 

We consider ourselves to be partners to our customers, our community, and our environment, so let’s take a look at some of the best things you can do in gardens as winter approaches, and how you as a land manager can continue to look after these freshly planted trees to ensure they establish successfully.

The Facts

  • Instead of being grown in pots, these bare-root plants are grown in fields. 
  • They usually establish better than container-grown trees since they were grown in open ground soil as opposed to commercial potting compost. 
  • Bare-root plants have a higher chance of failure. 
  • Bare-root plants are typically sold with a ball of soil around their roots, as well as a hessian or wire and hessian wrap. 
  • These should be planted as soon as possible after delivery, but they can be stored for a limited time if the root balls are kept moist and in a sheltered location. 
  • Plant at the original soil level of the specimen, as planting too deeply might cause the plant to die. The top of the root-top ball should be at least 5cm above the surrounding soil. When planting, leave the wire and hessian in place, but cut the wire around the trunk and bend it back slightly. Both wire and hessian will deteriorate naturally over time.

Aftercare

As the establishing phase of specimen trees is typically three years or more than that of lesser trees, aftercare is critical. 

  • Watering: Drought stress is common in freshly planted trees (especially those with a big root-ball) during the first three years. Water shortages are more prevalent in dry, windy weather, so proper irrigation is critical. Watering aids such as irrigation tubes or watering bags can help with the watering of freshly planted trees. 
  • Weeding: Keep a vegetation-free circle at least 1.2m in diameter around the tree to avoid weeds, grass, and other plants competing for water. 
  • Mulch: In late winter, after feeding, add a layer of mulch around the tree to help preserve moisture and prevent weeds. Make careful to leave a 10cm radius around the tree’s stem to avoid the mulch from rotting the bark. 
  • Windbreaks: Young trees in exposed areas benefit from a temporary windbreak for two or three years as they establish. On the windward side, use fabric netting fastened to stakes pushed firmly into the ground. 
  • Tree guards: In some areas, young trees need to be protected against damage caused by rabbits or other animals. Place a tree guard around the tree trunk or surround it with a barrier of wire netting tied to posts.