Children from three local schools in Wincanton helped to plant trees for the future at Cale Park in Wincanton in January, as part of the Recreation Ground Regeneration Project.
The project always planned to add more trees to the area and on Thursday 24 January, children in Wincanton Primary School, Our Lady’s RC Primary School and King Arthur’s Secondary School helped to plant 17 different trees that were specifically chosen to bring an avenue of colour in the autumn due to their colourful leaves.
The planting was organised by Wincanton Town Clerk, Sam Atherton, and the Works and Maintenance Supervisor for Wincanton Town Council, Steve Lee. South Somerset District Council’s Locality team and Environmental Services team also assisted with the planting of the trees.
Cale Park is being developed in phases as part of a regeneration project to provide a top quality park for visitors and residents of Wincanton. There have been five phases of this regeneration project; these consist of creating the multiuse games area and a successful play area, refurbishing the cricket shelter, opening a café and improving the landscape.
Planting this avenue of oak trees is helping develop the project as it will improve the environment and provide a beautiful and colourful landscape in the autumn months.
Ray Tudgay, Chair of the Recreation Ground Working Group, said: “It’s great to get the future generations of Wincanton involved in the community and landscape of the place they call home and for them to take ownership and look after their park.”
Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, portfolio holder for Environment at South Somerset District Council, added: “Tree planting is an excellent way to enhance an area and the District Council was thrilled to get involved along with the local schools. We’re pleased to plant something for the future and see it mature in the wonderful surroundings of Cale Park.”
During this time of year, the trees are dormant which makes it the best time to plant them. The Locality and Environmental Services team at South Somerset District Council dug holes in preparation of tree planting and demonstrated how to plant the trees prior to the children trying it for themselves. The involvement of local youths was important to the Town Council as the children will take pride of the area they live in, as well as seeing the trees grow throughout their lives.