The Matrix Chambers Legacy Forest at Royal Holloway University is a woodland restoration project, where a Miyawaki mini forest is patched into an existing space where light left by the Ponticum rhododendron removal allows for new planting .
Ponticum rhododendron is one of the most damaging invasive species in British woodland. The species is named after its orginal habitat, the Pontic mountains of Turkey and the Black Sea coast. It was introduced to the UK as ornamental planting in the 18thcentury. It spreads aggressively, outcompetes native understory plants and increases the acidity of the soil. Removing it is slow, expensive work. After removal, restoration is needed, and the best thing to do is to fill the gap with native trees.
The site also has roe and muntjac deer, which can strip young saplings before they establish themselves. Every tree went in with a 1.2-metre guard and stake, which will protect the young trees until they can hold their own.
Matrix Chambers members and clerks planted alongside volunteers on the day, sustained by cinnamon buns brought by DFT trustee Jessica Simor KC.
