Community tree planting success for ‘Cranbrook Canopy’
On Saturday 8th February, local people planted 500 trees to create a Cranbrook Canopy, helping to make Cranbrook a better place for people and wildlife.
Around 40 volunteers of all ages joined East Devon District Council and Cranbrook Town Council to plant new native woodland, including 250 oak trees, at Cranbrook Country Park in the heart of the Clyst Valley.
Cranbrook Canopy is a five month project funded by Woodland Trust’s Street Trees project, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, East Devon District Council and Cranbrook Town Council. It aims to inspire the people of Cranbrook to engage with trees and landscape around them, to get the community involved in tree planting and to take better care of existing trees. This will leave a lasting legacy of improved green spaces and more tree canopy for a healthier future for the town.
Cllr Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said:
“Planting trees is vital in our response to the climate emergency, so thank you to everyone who came along to Cranbrook to help. Volunteers worked really hard and without them, the tree planting wouldn’t have been possible.
“Looking ahead there is a great opportunity to extend the Cranbrook Canopy further, with 50 fruit trees to give away at a wildlife gardening fair on Saturday 14thMarch.”
Councillor Kim Bloxham, ward member for Cranbrook, said:
“Thanks to all the volunteers who joined us to plant trees in Cranbrook on Saturday. It is one of the activities which will see more trees planted in Cranbrook Country Park. The trees will not only improve the overall enjoyment of the park by making it more attractive but also help combat climate change, increase wildlife and diversity. Most importantly, the Cranbrook Canopy project will encourage local people to help make Cranbrook an even better place to live.”
Councillor Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, said:
“The tree planting was a wonderful community activity and I’m delighted so many local adults and children helped to make Cranbrook a greener place to live and work. Increasing the number of native trees within the Country Park will enhance the wellbeing of residents, provide a home for animals and birds, and help to reduce our carbon footprint.”
To stay up to date with news and future activities, including events, wildlife gardens day, Youth Forum and a Canopy workshop day, visit http://clystvalleypark.org.uk/friends to join our mailing list.
