The University of Leeds’ research woodland, Gair Wood, is turning one year old.
From initial plans in 2021, UBoC has supported the design, creation, maintenance, and study of the site to ensure that Gair Wood has had science built into it every step of the way.
In December 2022 Roger Gair, who was the secretary of the university for 20 years and who is the namesake of the woodland, ceremonially planted the first tree. In January and February 2023 the remaining 66,000 trees were planted by a combination of contracted workers and local volunteers. The final planting day was completed on the 3rd of March 2023.
Since then, the site has transitioned to its establishment and research phase, with constant data collection to answer questions surrounding woodland creation and design techniques. The research takes advantage of a scientifically rigorous planting design which was made possible by the efforts of local volunteers who planted trees from a variety of species mixes at specifically recorded locations. The research undertaken at Gair Wood gives real-time insight into optimum management of the ecosystem and provides a living laboratory for biodiversity.
To celebrate Gair Wood’s first complete year of growth, a video has been produced, highlighting progress on site and the team who work there.
