Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) are delighted to reveal that the replanting of Churston Woods has now been completed thanks to the remarkable generosity of the local community.
In total a jaw dropping 4,800 trees have now been planted and approximately 1000 of these were planted during the 4 days of community planting, held in March and organised by TCCT.
Initially the Trust hoped that the community planting days would establish at least 500 trees but in fact twice this was undertaken. The planting days were supported by many local individuals, Friends of the Grove, Berry Head NNR Volunteers, staff from Bishop Fleming and a group young Beavers from the 17th Torbay BP Scout Group equating to well over 50 community members; keen to lend a hand and be a part of an historic local conservation initiative.
A wide variety of species were planted in the cleared areas of the woods with suitable native trees made up predominately of oak and other varieties including hazel, silver birch, field maple, hawthorne, wild cherry and rowan.
The area was cleared last year when a significant number of Larch and Sweet Chestnut trees, showing signs of disease at the Grove and Ball Copse, were felled on advice from The Forestry Commission. The Trust set up a crowdfunding campaign at the end of last year to help raise vital funds and awareness to help restore this semi ancient woodland.
Damian Offer, Chief Executive of TCCT said: “Whilst the available funding was enough to purchase all the trees and materials we needed, we had to reduce the extent to be planted by paid contractors and turned to the local community for help with planting”.
“The support we have received exceeded our expectations and enabled us to achieve far more than originally anticipated. We were over the moon that so many people turned up, sometimes in freezing temperatures, to help and are so grateful and proud of what has been achieved. Thank you to all involved, we would not have been able to do this without you”.
“The replanting of trees at Churston Woods presented a really meaningful and unique opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved in the creation of a new landscape for woodland and wildlife. Whether you supported through fundraising or digging; even baking on our behalf by staff and pupils at Churston Ferrers Grammar School, who were inspired to help and did, thank you”!
A group of staff from local accountancy firm Bishop Fleming also turned up to dig.
Will Hanbury, Partner at Bishop Fleming said:“Bishop Fleming was thrilled to be involved in the tree replanting project at Churston Woods. Our staff are committed to supporting the Trust and enjoyed contributing to this worthwhile project. Bishop Fleming has been in business in the Bay since 1919 and we are always keen to continue to support Torbay and its community.”
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