1500 saplings provided by the Woodland Trust are being planted by Teignbridge District Council this week as part of its ongoing plan to boost tree numbers in the district, improve the environment and offset carbon emissions.
The tree saplings are being planted at Dawlish Leisure Centre, Michael’s Field, Bishopsteignton and Sandringham Park, Newton Abbot, adding to those planted in the same locations last year.
The aim is to create copses on largely grass covered areas linking where possible to existing woodland and hedges. In addition to boosting the appeal and ecological value of the sites, the tree planting will also provide in time safe, green corridors that wildlife can use to move around. Pollinators will benefit from increased flowering and wildlife from an increased range of fruits.
The planting is being undertaken in ways designed to improve the visual impact but also to ensure other uses can be maintained and expanded.
Unlike last year volunteers are not being used in the tree planting effort due to Covid-19 restrictions but contactors Idverde and Devon Tree Services have offered free help and supplies.
In addition, some feature trees will be planted on smaller sites, complementing the 16 Idverde planted over the winter to mark each member of their staff working on this project.
Executive member for Sport, Recreation and Culture Cllr Andrew MacGregor welcomed this phase of the project. “I would like to thank the Woodland Trust for the saplings and the contractors for their support. This is a really important step in boosting not just the appearance of these areas but also in using land we own to help combat climate change.
“All the saplings to be planted have been selected with the specific sites in mind so as to maximise the prospects of them thriving.”
Work started on Tuesday (16 February) and it is expected to be completed by the weekend.
Planning for next year is already underway with the council identifying smaller sites which can be improved through increasing the number of trees.
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us
