Harnessing and accelerating succession

Today I would like to share how we take advantage of and accelerate the natural process called Succession

the natural process of succession refers to the evolution of a terrain, from an exposed one and all the way through to a forest, which is the normal tendency of nature.

it can happen in an open landscape, after a devastating fire etc.
the first to come are the strongest plants, called "Pioneers" as they can handle full sun exposure, winds, frosts and any other extreme conditions.
they grow creating the conditions for other, more sensitive plants to grow among and below them, providing wind breaking, shade, organic material, Nitrogen fixing and more.

we also use the base of these pioneer plants as a physical protection for acorns sawn right at the base where the boars can not fit their snounts to dig them up. in this photo is a young Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea).

a well protected Chestnut growing nicely and soon to overpass in hight the surrounding pioneers that sheltered him when small and brittle

a small Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) under the protective layer of brush. the used car tire around it is one of the best ways we´ve found to protect young trees from wild boars digging them up. they seem to dislike the smell and avoid any contact with them.

thank you for stopping by 🙏
wishing us all a peaceful week
published at 11:11