BIG PLANTING SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1929, Page 6

BIG PLANTING SCHEME

SIXTEEN MILES OF TIMBER. •The largest forest in England, is rap idly growing under the auspices of the Forestry Commission. In the neighbourhoodof Thetfcra lor ten years'past there have been tracts of open heath and derelict and, on which thousands pf rabbits, ran wild, and where-the local population was dwindled 'away. The land is almost pure land covering chalk. There is little, shelter, a low rainfall, protracted periods of drought, and cold east winds. But the conditions are especially favourable to the growth of pines/ larches, arid firs, and the commissiopers have already planted 15,999. I r time these will'provide some of the best timber in this country, partly making up for the. severe losses of the war, and will stretch for 16 miles over Norfolk and Suffolk. ’ This new forest is also providing employment to an extent not generally realised. In one village of Saston Downham there were only 20 residents in 1923, and now there are 250. No fewer tnan 629 men have been knotching in small plants, or sowing seeds of'pine during the past few months. There have bjeen -established 147 forest workers’ holdings, three at least of which are occupied by ex-miners from the Welsh coalfields. These employees are given about 10 acres dr land, which they cultivate according to local conditions. Some cultivate as arable, sonip as dairy land, \ and others" take up poultry or fruit farming. Tlie tenarits are guaranteed 150 days’ employment by the commission,, arid also earn on their holdings. Last year a number of the tenants successfully cultivated sugar ; beet. There is always a long waiting list for these holdings, which could be let many times Cottages are being built, containing scullery, kitchen, sitting room, and three bedrooms, by direct labour, at the cost of just over £3OO each.