More trees at plantation named after the ‘forgotten saint’ of Louth

Louth is doing its bit in the national effort to cut our carbon footprint, thanks to the planting of dozens more trees at Hubbard’s Hills.
Hubbard’s Hills Trust Chairman Andrew Leonard (centre) takes stock of the new planting with Trust secretary Jill Makinson-Sanders and Contractor Michael Payne. EMN-210801-160752001Hubbard’s Hills Trust Chairman Andrew Leonard (centre) takes stock of the new planting with Trust secretary Jill Makinson-Sanders and Contractor Michael Payne. EMN-210801-160752001
Hubbard’s Hills Trust Chairman Andrew Leonard (centre) takes stock of the new planting with Trust secretary Jill Makinson-Sanders and Contractor Michael Payne. EMN-210801-160752001

The Hubbard’s Hills Trust recently planted 50 trees at the edge of Fisher’s Hill in what is known as the St Herefrith Plantation, bringing the total new trees planted in the last 18 months to 150. A further 50 trees will be planted early in 2021.

The new trees are a mix of mature specimens, including Beech, Oak, Rowan and Field Maple, replacing scrubland which volunteers and Trust members have cleared.

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The Trust took the decision some years ago only to buy mature specimens; saplings rarely survive in the Hills as the shallow chalk soil does not encourage sustainable fast root growth. Baby trees also make delicious snacks for the resident rabbits, squirrels and deer.

The plantation has been named after St Herefrith, Louth’s forgotten saint.

He was a Bishop, thought to have been killed by the Danes around 875. He was buried in Louth.

In around 973, monks from the abbey at Thorney, near Peterborough, raided Louth looking for relics to endow their new monastery. Legend has it that the Ludensians were drugged whilst the monks dug up his body and reinterred it at Thorney.

When the pandemic subsides, it is hoped that the new plantation will be blessed by a member of the local clergy. Members of the public will be invited to attend.