Tree Planting

Although most of the higher areas that were clear-felled in the last century have naturally regenerated, some of the lower slopes and pastures have shown little change in the last 20 years and have become covered in the tough Imperator cylindrica grass. This species is common across the tropics and forms a dense mat of roots and grass blades of almost a metre high which prevents sunlight reaching the ground. If REGUA is to achieve its objective of restoring the natural vegetation throughout the reserve and especially restore the lost wetland tabebuia forest, then it reluctantly concluded that it had to take a more proactive approach to habitat management.

The majority of the seedlings are grown from seeds collected from the forest at REGUA. These seeds are then planted in grow bags to give them a good start in life. (Photo by Alan Martin) The REGUA nursery has gradually expanded and can now provide about 20,000 seedlings a year of about 50 species. The roof netting acts as a sun filter. (Photo by Alan Martin)
The majority of the seedlings are grown from seeds collected from the forest at REGUA. These seeds are then planted in grow bags to give them a good start in life. The REGUA nursery has gradually expanded and can now provide about 20,000 seedlings a year of about 50 species. The roof netting acts as a sun filter.

REGUA's aim is to plant 100,000 trees in the next five years. The first 1,500 trees were planted in 2004 in a 1.5 hectare plot close to the Lodge, but by the end of the 2007/08 season over 38,000 trees have been planted. Typical planting density is at about one tree per nine square metres, and the ideal planting season is from January to March during the wet season. Whilst some of the earlier plots were on flat ground with easy access which could be prepared by tractor, the most recent ones are on steep slopes covered in thick imperator grass. In these areas the grass has to be sprayed, and the holes dug by hand and filled with compost. Until the trees become established they have to be monitored to prevent attack from leaf-cutting ants, the area around the sapling has to be weeded and in prolonged periods of drought they have to be watered. Although this approach is very resource intensive, it has delivered a 95% survival rate which is much higher than many other tree planting schemes in the tropics.

Plots on flat ground with easy access can be prepared by tractor, but plots on steeper slopes are often covered in thick imperator grass (see right) which needs to be sprayed and then the holes dug by hand. This photo shows the stakes used to support the seedlings. (REGUA photo library) Transporting the seedlings from the nursery to the planting site is a labour intensive task, especially where access by vehicle is difficult. (REGUA photo library)
Plots on flat ground with easy access can be prepared by tractor, but plots on steeper slopes are often covered in thick imperator grass (see right) which needs to be sprayed and then the holes dug by hand. This photo shows the stakes used to support the seedlings. Transporting the seedlings from the nursery to the planting site is a labour intensive task, especially where access by vehicle is difficult.

The vast majority of the trees planted have been grown in our own nursery from local seeds collected in REGUA's forests by our staff and volunteers. This nursery has gradually expanded and can now provide about 20,000 seedlings a year of about 50 species including pioneer and the longer-lived species such as figs.

A newly planted seedling. (Photo by Alan Martin) Saplings in plot 6 behind the wetland, about eight months after planting. (Photo by Rachel Walls)
A newly planted seedling. Saplings in plot 6 behind the wetland, about eight months after planting.
The track from the reserve entrance to the wetlands in May 2006, shortly after trees either side of the track were planted. (Photo by Lee Dingain) The same track in January 2008 showing the growth rate. (Photo by Alan Martin)
The track from the reserve entrance to the wetlands in May 2006, shortly after trees either side of the track were planted. The same track in January 2008 showing the growth rate.

The growth rate of many of the trees planted has been incredible, and some have been monitored by attaching numbered aluminium tags. By regularly visiting and measuring these tagged trees we have been able to improve our planting and aftercare techniques. These studies have shown that in ideal conditions about 25% of the trees planted grow to ten times their original size in only two years.

Most of the funding for this work has been contributed by the World Land Trust and plans are in place for a further 20,000 trees to be planted in the 2008/09 season.