Gulls Started Something

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29798, 14 April 1962, Page 19

Gulls Started Something

“Noting that marram grass planted in a seagull’s nesting ground in Woodhill Forest appeared more vigorous than that in adjoining areas, samples were sent to the Forest Research Institute,” writes a correspondent in the current issue of Forestry News. “On testing various fertilisers on one-quarter acre plots, it was found that only sulphate of ammonia produced plants comparable to those on the nesting ground. “After detailing the applications needed, the writer said that during 1960-61 1200 acres of sand were treated in that manner. Complete marram coverage of the sand country would be achieved one year earlier than usual.” he added.

"Following the stabilising of the sand by marram and lupin, the Forest Service plants shelter trees and then Radiata pine,” adds a Forest Service spokesman. ‘‘As a result of this programme the day is approaching when the “mobile” sand areas which were once a menace to the adjacent farmlands will no longer be a drain on Government finances. They will be selfsupporting. In fact, this goal of che older plantations.”