It is not unusual to sometimes consider a single tree standing on its own in a paddock to contribute little and for there to be minimal consequence if removed. A stand-alone tree has values way beyond those ascribed to it by farmers as shelter trees for stock.
Just like a tree in a forest, or a woodland, or a copse, or a roadside/creekside corridor, a stand-alone tree still sequesters carbon, produces oxygen, filters the air, helps to lower ambient temperatures, and provides habitat.
.JPG)
Because of their isolated positions, paddock trees are exceptional ‘water pumps’; they transpire water into the atmosphere more efficiently and reduce the risk of salinity.
Many stand-alone trees are old remnant relics that are full of habitat hollows for wildlife. Research has shown that a single paddock tree can contain an ‘ecological zoo’ of hundreds of different species; birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, bacteria, moss, lichen, fungi, etc. A lone paddock tree will often provide a ‘stepping stone’ for wildlife in search of suitable habitat.
.JPG)
Scattered paddock trees contribute to farm productivity by providing shelter for stock, fertility to the soil, reducing erosion, and lowering acidification of the soil.
.JPG)
Even a lone dead tree can contribute significantly to the biodiversity of a region.
Like King Cnut, we are more or less powerless to turn the tide of development in our region, but is it too much to ask for greater consideration be given to the conservation of those magnificent paddock sentinels – the stand-alone trees?
No comments:
Post a Comment