Nearly 700 Trees to Be Planted in Somerset’s Green Spaces
Somerset Council secures £500,000 to plant nearly 700 trees in local parks
Somerset, Taunton, Yeovil, Castle Cary, Somerton, Shepton Mallet, Crewkerne
Taunton: Nearly 700 trees are coming to Somerset’s parks. The Somerset Council got £500,000 from the government’s urban tree challenge fund. This money will help plant mature trees in public green spaces.
Most of the trees will go to Taunton, which will get the most trees. The funding also covers tree maintenance for three years. Planting has started and will wrap up by March.
These trees will benefit everyone in Somerset. They’ll provide shade, improve air quality, cut down road noise, and help with flooding. Out of 671 trees, 135 will bear fruit or nuts. The rest will be a mix of native and non-native trees.
Taunton will see trees in several spots, including:
- Taunton Green: 59
- Lyngford Park: 52
- Leslie Avenue: 49
- Victoria Park: 49
- Galmington Recreation Ground: 48
- Priorswood Football Field: 46
- Hamilton Park: 42
- Pennys Field: 42
- Hawthorn Park (Upper Holway): 15
Yeovil will get 100 trees across Lower Milford, Milford Park, Oak Tree Park, and Yew Tree Park. Castle Cary will receive 74 trees at its cricket ground and Fairfield. Somerton Recreation Ground will see 46 new trees.
In Shepton Mallet, 33 trees will be planted at Collett Park. Crewkerne will get 15 trees at Barn Street Recreation Ground. Councillor Graham Oakes expressed excitement about the funding, highlighting its importance for cleaner air and a healthier environment.
The Somerset tree strategy aims to raise tree coverage from 8% to 13% by 2033. For help with local tree planting, email woodlandcreation@somerset.gov.uk.
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