Woodland Trust gifts West Devon 420 trees

Tavistock and Okehampton have been gifted 420 new trees thanks to a successful application submitted by local conservation volunteers Tavistock Taskforce in partnership with West Devon Borough Council.

Land at Simmons Way, Okehampton as well as the Tavistock Viaduct Walk Nature Reserve has been enhanced by the freebies, which include native, wildlife friendly trees such as birch, hawthorn, hazel  and oak.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, Chair of West Devon Borough Council's Environment and Community Committee said: "The borough council is very grateful to local volunteers like Tavistock Taskforce who led the planting over two days. Encouraging localism such as this is one of the council's seven key priorities.

"The success of our joint application to the Woodland Trust is an achievement and we hope it will encourage more people to get  involved in schemes like this to improve and maintain the environment for West Devon's residents."

Rob Sekula, Countryside and Community Projects Officer said: "The Woodland Trust received 1,000 applications to the scheme and as a  result more that 200,000 trees will be planted nationwide.

"Tree planting is an enjoyable way to involve local  people in creating important wildlife habitats and just one oak can provide shelter, food and homes for up to 500 species of wildlife. As these trees mature and contribute to native hedgerows and woodlands, they will also contribute to the green network of habitats in our local towns."

Victoria Hodson from the Woodland Trust added: "We are delighted that Tavistock Taskforce are  using our free tree scheme to plant more trees in Tavistock and Okehampton. Communities are transforming their neighbourhoods, growing their own fruits and food, creating shade and shelter and providing new homes for wildlife.

"Next year, we are offering more free trees as part of our Jubilee Woods Project to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, and would love more communities to get involved."

In February, the Woodland Trust's Jubilee Woods project aims to encourage millions of people across the UK to  get involved and plant one million trees in one month to celebrate 60 years since The Queen's accession to the throne. With HRH The Princess Royal as  patron, it is only one of a handful of projects to carry official Royal approval.

Communities can take part by applying for a free pack at www.jubileewoods.org.uk/treepacks. Applications for February 2012 packs close on Wednesday December 7, 2011.

For more information about tree planting or other environmental projects, contact Rob Sekula, West Devon Countryside and Community Projects Officer on 01822 813701.