Natural England’s “LIFE in the Ravines” project has launched a trial using drones to spread native tree seeds across steep ravine woodlands in the Peak District. The trial covers 0.75 hectares at Dovedale and an equal area at Lathkill Dale, where drones deliver a mix of field maple, wych elm, alder, small‑leaved lime, birch, rowan, yew, goat willow, crab apple and holly. The technology, previously used in the Scottish Highlands, aims to reach slopes that are too dangerous or difficult for hand seeding. Seed dispersal accuracy will be monitored with trays and one‑square‑metre plots, and germination rates will be compared with control areas to evaluate cost‑effectiveness. The trial is part of a wider effort that has already planted over 100,000 trees to combat ash dieback.
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Summary adapted from content licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
For details, see https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/.
Original source: https://www.gov.uk/
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