The next report. Sadly, a high mortality amongst the Eichen since May 2010, but still a good strike rate for the Buchen. The gates are in good condition too. No real need either to cut back grass from around the saplings. Someone (BUND perhaps) has also hung a large number of Nistkasten on the trees surrounding the planting sites. Finally, Berit and I had a good view of a Wendehals (Eurasian wryneck), on Brandenburg red list but otherwise not threatened, while walking to the planting area from Bahnhof Rüdnitz. – Robbie Morrison
Details
plot #6
fence in good condition
mostly Buchen, good strike rate
plot #7
fence in good condition
dry plot with Brennnesseln, but not sufficiently dense to affect saplings
good strike rate, some saplings now 2m in height
plot #8
fence in good condition
around 20% mortality
plot #9
we failed to find plot #9 this time!
plot #10
fence in good condition
around 80% mortality rate for Eichen, some near dead saplings have new leaves at the bottom
the Buchen are mostly okay
plot #11
fence in good condition
a few Eichen doing well, but powdery mildew also present
the Buchen are mostly okay
The sick and dead Eichen in plot #10 look like their bark was attacked, either by a disease or by insects. Some of the bark has peeled back to reveal damage from boring insects which leave small neat holes. But no sign of animal grazing, say by mice in winter. Note the earlier comment that some near dead saplings have new leaves as the bottom of their stems only.