Green-fingered councillors and volunteers have been picking up their shovels and planting hundreds of trees across Rodborough Parish in Stroud.
The trees have been supplied free of charge by Gloucestershire County Council as part of their ash dieback compensation scheme. The plants are a variety of native British species, including hawthorn, blackthorn, elder, and hazel, as well as apple and plum for fruit trees, and field maple, oak, lime and elm trees.
On Saturday, 7th March, volunteers and members of Rodborough Parish Council planted dozens of saplings at the Bownham Mead Sports Field near Rodborough Common. On Sunday, 8th March, more young trees were planted at the newly-renovated Rodborough Community Hall. Other local sites where young trees will be planted include Wallbridge Fields, Rodborough School, and Rodborough Glebe Allotments.
Stroud District Councillor and Leader of the Labour group on the SDC Katy Hofmann was on hand to help with the ambitious planting project. Councillor Hofmann said:
“It’s fantastic to see these trees being planted, and it would be great to see this right across our district.”
Chair of Rodborough Parish Council, Councillor Steve Ponting, said:
“It’s a great community event, and nice to have everyone in the area getting involved. We’re keen to plant the additional trees and hedges.
We also see this as a good way of finishing the [renovated community] hall off, and building on what we’ve already done. Hopefully by the time everything grows, it will look really good and enhance the overall appearance.”
The young trees are all bare-root so need to be planted as soon as possible. Rodborough Parish Council is organising several upcoming planting sessions and is encouraging local residents to get involved – and don’t forget your shovel and spade!
More planting sessions at Rodborough Community Hall, Butterow West, will be held this coming week: Monday 9th (11am-1pm), Tuesday 10th (10am-12noon & 2-4pm), Wednesday 11th (11am-1pm), Friday 13th (10am-12noon), and Saturday 14th (11am-1pm).
