South West Lakes Trust and South West Water volunteers recently worked together in practical conservation management at Roadford Lake, as part of the Year of Green Action.

The group spent the day working hard to remove tree guards from adult trees, in order to relieve the trees from unnecessary stress, which can also restrict growth. They successfully removed approximately 250 tree guards from two different areas at Roadford. Beyond preventing stress on trees, the removal will have plenty of benefits and ensure that the woodland habitats remain maintained and healthy; for example, by increasing feeding opportunities for wildlife.

The tree guards were stored on site to be reused for further planting, as part of the aim to minimise waste and re-use plastic where possible.

Emma Scotney, South West Lakes Trust ecologist, said: “The Year of Green Action has allowed many groups to come together to do their part for our environment. This day held at Roadford was a chance for everyone to get involved. We removed all of the trees guards in the areas we visited and stored them away to be re-used. We are always thinking of new ways to recycle and re-use our products.”

The Year of Green Action is an action-packed programme of environmental events open to staff and members of the public. The aim is to highlight the role that people and businesses can play in improving our environment.