Torridge District Council gets the go-ahead to plant 1,000 trees at Gatefield Amenity Grassland, Bideford

Following public consultation and a vote by the Community and Resources committee Torridge District Council has announced plans to plant 1,000 trees at Gatefield Amenity Grassland on Londonderry Estate in Bideford.

The plans, which are fully funded as part of Devon County Council's Local Authority Treescapes Project, are being delivered in partnership with local not-for-profit social enterprise Parklife South West.  The scheme is supported by The Forestry Commission's Local Authority Treescapes Fund.

Earlier this year, Torridge District Council invited residents to attend meetings to find out more about the proposed scheme and submit their views and ideas.  Public consultation showed that there was overall support for the tree planting at the site.  The feedback received helped to shape the plans and identified that current users wanted to retain an area of open space rather than footpaths for dog walking and other recreational activities which formed part of the original proposal.

The plans have been designed to extend wildlife corridors and join up fragmented habitats to make these more resilient in face of threats to the environment. Tree planting at Gatefield will offset carbon emissions, improve local biodiversity and help to deliver the North Devon Biosphere's ambitious Nature Recovery Plan, which includes an objective to plant 10,000 urban trees by 2025.

The Council will carry out the tree planting this winter at a couple of community tree planting events.  These will be advertised as part of the Rangers volunteer programme, so please check Torridge District Council's Facebook page and website for dates. Tree species being planted include Oak, Beech, Field Maple, Wild Cherry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Dogwood, Dogrose and Spindle.

Councillor Peter Hames, Lead Member for Climate Change, said:

"Thank you to everyone who shared their views and engaged with the public consultation process which helped to shape and inform our plan. We hope this new area will help people to connect with nature, improve the scenery and provide opportunities for educational activities and public events as well as providing important habitat and food sources for wildlife.

"With planting due to start soon, we hope 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."

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

"This community woodland is a fantastic project and we're proud that our Local Authority Treescapes Project is helping to make it possible. I'm sure local people will be pleased to have been involved in helping to shape the plans for the site. Not only will the tree planting contribute towards our carbon net zero targets, but it will also improve habitats for wildlife while offering important benefits for mental health and wellbeing of visitors to this space. I look forward to paying it a visit."

Mike Moser, Coordinator of the Biosphere's Nature Recovery Plan said:

"Well done Torridge District Council and all involved! This is a brilliant contribution to our Nature Recovery Plan which will benefit the community, nature and our efforts to tackle climate change. Every tree counts."

Nov 24