Volunteers plant over 3,000 trees across the Rochford District to boost local wildlife habitats
Last week, enthusiastic volunteers came together for Rochford District Council’s winter tree planting sessions, helping to create vibrant new woodland areas in council-managed open spaces. This initiative, part of the Council’s ‘Parks for Nature’ scheme, aims to enhance local wildlife habitats, promote biodiversity, and establish essential sanctuaries for local species.
Over the course of the week, 3,150 trees were planted across four sites: Hullbridge Recreation Ground, Rawreth Recreation Ground, Millview Meadows, and Canewdon Village Green. The newly planted woodlands feature cell-grown native broadleaf varieties, including field maple, English oak, silver birch, hornbeam, rowan, hazel, black alder, and beech.
This planting was made possible through funding from Essex County Council’s Essex Forest Initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The newly planted trees are protected with recyclable guards, which will be removed when the trees mature in approximately five years. Additionally, spring mulching and a reduced mowing policy will ensure optimal growth and reduce resource competition from surrounding grass.
Councillor Chris Stanley, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee at Rochford District Council, said: “Planting these trees is an important part of creating greener spaces for people and wildlife in our District. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers who joined us last week and Essex County Council. To be able to say we all helped plant more than 3,000 trees is quite something – especially with some of the challenging weather we had last week.
“We are building a legacy of biodiversity and resilience against climate change. Every tree we planted will play a part in supporting the environment for generations to come.”
The Council welcomes people to register to join future tree planting and environmental events, if you are interested, visit our Parks for Nature volunteer page to learn more and register as volunteers. Paper copies of the volunteer guide are also available by calling 01702 546366.