Council Rangers need volunteers to help to establish Community Woodland in Bideford

Torridge District Council has teamed up with Devon County Council and Parklife South West CIC to create a new Community Woodland at Gatefield amenity grassland on Londonderry Estate in Bideford. As part of this exciting project the ranger team at Torridge District Council is looking for volunteers to help plant 1,000 trees on the site at events on Saturday 18^th and Wednesday 22^nd of January, between 10am and 3pm.

The Community Woodland is being funded through the Forestry Commission's Local Authority Treescapes project. It will help to extend local wildlife corridors and boost efforts to deliver nature recovery and tackle the climate crisis. Following public consultation, a large area of open space has been incorporated into the final design, so that dog walking and other recreational activities can take place here too. It is hoped that the project will create a better space for wildlife and people.  Tree species being planted include Oak, Beech, Field Maple, Wild Cherry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Dogwood, Dogrose and Spindle.

The events are open to everyone, but any children must be accompanied by an adult.  No prior experience is necessary, and tools will be provided.  To find out further information and book your place, please contact the ranger team on 01237479708 or northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk

Councillor Peter Hames, Lead Member for Climate Change, Torridge District Council, said:

"We hope that as many local groups and residents will volunteer to take part.  Not only would you be doing something fantastic and worthwhile for the planet, it's also a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and make new friends.  This exciting new scheme will help people connect with nature, improve the scenery and provide important habitats and food sources for wildlife - it would be great if we could get as many people from the community involved as possible."

 Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

"Volunteering to plant trees is a great way for people to get involved in helping to create this woodland and for the local community to make it their own. I hope plenty of people come forward to lend a hand and be part of a project which will not only develop a great asset for people in Bideford to enjoy but will also help tackle carbon emissions and benefit local wildlife. We're proud to be working in partnership with Torridge District Council and Parklife South West to deliver this woodland, and that the funding Devon County Council successfully secured from the Forestry Commission's Local Authority Treescapes Fund is helping to make it possible."

Keith Rennells, ParkLife South West, said:

"Getting involved with a tree planting project is a great way to get fresh air and exercise and improve our health and wellbeing. It is also a wonderful feeling to be part of a project that will benefit our wildlife for many years to come."