Great turnout for volunteer tree planting events helps to create a new woodland in Bideford

1,000 trees have been planted by 65 volunteers at Gatefield Community Grassland on the Londonderry Estate in Bideford in a bid to build a new community woodland and improve the local environment.

The programme was organised by Torridge District Council and Parklife South West as part of Devon County Council's Local Authority Treescape scheme. The scheme was fully funded by the Forestry Commission and was delivered with an aim to create better habitats for wildlife and capture carbon emissions as part of efforts to tackle global warming.

Following a call for volunteers, the ranger team at Torridge District Council were overwhelmed by offers of help from the local community, which included pupils from St Mary's Church of England Primary School.   Initially expected to take at least three days, the tree planting was completed by lunchtime on the second day!

Volunteers planted Oak, Beech, Hazel, Wild Cherry, Hawthorn, Spindle and other broadleaf species found in surrounding woodlands and hedgerows. The hope is that as this new woodland grows it will join up habitats that are currently fragmented and isolated to help establish better wildlife corridors in the local area.

Following public consultation, a large area of open space has also been incorporated into the final design, so that dog walking and other recreational activities can continue to take place here too. It is hoped that the project will create a better space for both the wildlife and the local community. 

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

"We are extremely grateful for the incredible turnout and the dedication shown by all of those involved.  As a Torridge Councillor who participated in the tree planting, I know how hard all the volunteers worked.  They have created a space that will not only benefit the local wildlife, but one that the local community and future generations can enjoy too."

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

"It speaks volumes that so many people volunteered their time and turned out to help plant the trees at this new community woodland. There's clearly a lot of support among local people and it shows what can be achieved by working together - especially as the planting was completed more quickly than expected as well! As the woodland starts to establish itself, we'll start to see what a benefit this site will be for our environment and local wildlife. Well done and thank you to everyone involved."

Keith Rennells, Director at ParkLife South West said:

"It was a great pleasure to work alongside such enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. These trees are in safe hands with the local community and will very soon become a landscape feature and haven for wildlife. Thank you to everyone who helped out".

Jan 25