Tree-lovers from across Cornwall will be getting their spades in the ground from this week as tree-planting season kicks off with National Tree Week.
The initiative started by the Tree Council is the country’s largest annual tree celebration.
It aims to build awareness of the difference planting trees can make to the planet, whether you plant one tree in a pot on your doorstep, a hedge in your garden or residential area, an orchard as part of a community event at a local park, or on a larger scale.
Every tree planted in Cornwall goes towards the Forest for Cornwall which is increasing biodiversity, improving green spaces for residents and helping the region reach net zero.
Since the programme was launched four years ago the Forest for Cornwall has reached more than 600,000 trees, the equivalent of a tree for every resident.
There are a variety of tree-planting events taking place throughout National Tree Week which takes place from November 25 to December 3.
Many of the activities are supported by Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall and environment teams including:
- Community planting of 500 native trees at Prislow Fields, Falmouth, this Saturday, November 25. Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change Cllr Martyn Alvey will be helping volunteers to plant the native trees as part of an initiative to commemorate Armed Forces Day held in the town in the summer. Everyone is welcome to attend the community event from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Tools and refreshments will be provided.
- Tree-planting at King George V Playing Field, Four Lanes. Volunteers are welcome to help plant trees to transform a well-used play area to make it more attractive for people and wildlife. Participants can also pick up a free tree sapling to take home to grow. The event takes place on Wednesday, November 29, from midday. Tools and equipment provided. Please register at environment@cormacltd.co.uk
- A former landfill site at Saltmill Park, Saltash, will be getting 57 new trees as part of the government’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund. A range of species are being planted to increase nature resilience and mitigate for climate change. The planting will be carried out by Cormac and volunteers from the local community, including Groundwork and Tree Saltash on Saturday, December 2.
- 15 parishes are planting a Landmark Tree this winter to celebrate a local person, event or place. The parish councils taking part are Maker with Rame, Altarnun, Egloskerry, Pillaton, Gwinear Gwithian, Week St Mary, Tintagel, Whitstone, Boyton, St Hilary, St Teath, Roche, Mawnan, Lanhydrock and St Erme. The Landmark Trees will include four oak saplings grown from acorns collected from the Darley Oak, thought to be the oldest tree in Cornwall. Over half of parishes in Cornwall have now planted a Landmark Tree. Celebrate with a Landmark Tree | Let's Talk Cornwall
- Collect a free native tree to take home and plant in your garden. This is part of the Back Garden Forest project supported by the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund. Upcoming dates and locations are:
- Torpoint: Torpoint Library, Sunday, 26 November, 10am - midday
- Darite: Darite Village Hall, Liskeard, Saturday, 9 December, 10am - 1pm
- Bude: Bude Town Council, car park by Crescent Car park, next to Bude Visitor Centre, Friday 15 December, 1 - 3.30pm
- Saltash: Fore St, at junction of Wesley Road, Tuesday, 9 Jan, 10am - midday
- Women’s Institutes across Cornwall are planting trees in their communities over National Tree Week. These include Gilly Girls Falmouth, Grampound, Mowesi Marshgate, St Breward and Stithians.
- An orchard workshop is being held for farmers and landholders focussing on the planning of orchards at Haywood Cider Farm.
Cllr Alvey said:
“National Tree Week is here and there’s no better time to get involved in planting trees in your community or garden, either as an individual or in a group.
“Trees and hedges are fantastic habitats and powerful tools against the impacts of climate change. They can become much-loved features in our neighbourhoods and help create strong positive memories and a sense of wellbeing.
“Every tree planted will help grow our Forest for Cornwall which is improving our access to nature and helping look after our planet. Come along to a National Tree Week event and help plant trees for the future.”
Story posted November 22, 2023
