Smithills Estate groundbreaking experiment involving trees and cows

It is designed to test how cattle affect tree growth.

The Woodland Creation Project on the Smithills Estate, led by the Woodland Trust, will run for between 10 and 20 years and involve people planting and monitoring the woodland.

Four different plots will be created on site, with varying combinations of cattle grazing and seed scattering to compare results over time.

Katie Thompson, Engaging Communities Officer for the Smithills Estate said: “We’re trialling a new method of woodland creation, where we have four different plots on site recorded through fixed point photography the public can be involved.

The Smithills Estate woodland. (Image: Woodland Trust)

“Site research from us, wildlife monitoring, for growth over ten, twenty years. What we’re trying to test is the difference that cows make, woodland creation and woodland diversity.

“Using these farming based practices we’ll show proof that cows really can benefit woodlands.”

The project splits land into four test plots to compare how woodland develops under different conditions — with and without cattle, and with and without seed planting, and some with both.

Passers by will also be able to take part by uploading photos from fixed points across the site to track changes in woodland growth over the years.

A scene in Smithills (Image: Ewa Heska)

Ms Thompson added: “What will happen is the cows encourage the seeds to grow by stomping on the ground, it will increase diversity in the woods and that’s what we’re testing for.

“We’re thinking that the ones with cows and seeds will create diverse woodland for wildlife, but we don’t fully know what will happen, that’s why it’s a ten to twenty year project.”

Diversity with trees mainly comes from their height, as lower trees can offer nesting space for birds, and higher trees can get more light.

A public seed-scattering event will take place on April 16 between 1.30pm and 4pm, with volunteers asked to meet at the Woodland Trust Walker Fold car park.

Participants are advised to wear wellies due to muddy conditions, and more than 100 young people are already expected to take part in additional sessions which are fully booked.