Community tree planting begins

The first trees have gone into the ground as part of a new initiative to support biodiversity and improve the local environment.

South Kesteven District Council has planted four climate resilient lime trees at one if its rewilding sites in Market Deeping.

This follows adoption of SKDC’s new Trees and Woodland Strategy, which encourages planting the right trees in the right place for the right reason.

More are planned for Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping during the next few weeks, thanks to specific funding to cover planting and aftercare.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “We have looked carefully across our district to find homes for 38 new trees. On top of this, we have identified 30 more trees that needed to be replaced.

“We know how important trees are to everyone in South Kesteven, and I am delighted that we are able to put the right tree in the right place to enhance our home. We have also thought carefully about how we look after these trees – we want as many as possible to take root and thrive in their new homes. To do this, we are looking for local community volunteers to keep an eye on these new trees, help out with watering them, and generally supporting aftercare.

“We have used expert knowledge from our Tree Officer to choose the right tree species for the right location. This is a careful job looking at local conditions, and making sure there is a mix of native and non-native species. This will make the trees more resilient to pests, diseases, drought, and flooding.

“We have also used a special soil – enriched biochar – and installed irrigation pipes around the roots to make sure every drop of water gets to where it needs to go. This will help as many trees as possible to establish successfully.”

The planting sites are at Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham; Harrowby Lane, Grantham; Foxglove Road, Stamford; Beaufort Drive, Bourne; Rochester Court, Bourne; Fraser Close, Deeping St James; Burchnall Close, Deeping St James; Tattershall Drive, Market Deeping.

Cllr Baker added: “Led by SKDC Street Scene staff, our contractors and local volunteers will nurture these community trees to bring valuable benefits. The trees will provide natural habitats, provide shade to limit the impact of heatwaves, filter pollution and help defend against flooding.

“This is the latest in a long line of investment in our natural environment from this Administration.

“The planting complements existing tree cover, and will support other biodiversity work. Where we can, we want to place them next to a well-used road or pedestrian route – we want as many people as possible to enjoy them and the impact trees have on people’s wellbeing.”

Potential volunteers can register or enquire by emailing climatechange@southkesteven.gov.uk or calling on 01476 406080.

Species to be planted: Field maple; Silver birch; Hornbeam; Cornelian cherry; Turkish hazel; Hawthorn; Spindle; Sweet gum; Crab apple; Persian ironwood; Cherry plum; Cherry; Willow-leaved pear; Hungarian oak; English oak; Pin oak; Whitebeam; Wild service; Lime; Hybrid (disease resistant) elm; Buckthorn (shrub); Guelder rose (shrub).