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The Suffolk Coastal Parish Tree Scheme has now drawn to a close.
However advice can still be provided on schemes being developed by
local communities.
Before you start planning your tree planting project you may
like to check out funding sources for community projects from the
following:
Please also speak to your
local parish council and tree warden as they may
able to help you further. |
When planning a tree planting project you should consider the
following:
Choosing a good site
There will be many sites in the parish that will benefit from
planting. Look for sites which fit into an overall plan to enhance
a village or parish. Your project could include:
- Restoring gaps in hedgerows.
- Planting new hedgerows and trees on farmland or parish
land.
- Planting trees in gardens where they will contribute to the
landscape of the parish.
- Creating or improving copses, tree belts or small
woodlands.
- Churchyards, cemeteries and historic parkland.
- Commemorative tree planting on village greens and public
spaces.
Factors to consider
- Planting as it matures should be visible to the community from
public areas.
- Overhead and underground services should not be affected.
- Avoid planting on sites of high nature conservation value e.g.
heathland, grassland, roadside nature reserves and archaeological
sites, where trees may have an adverse affect.
Planting
Planting can often be undertaken by enthusiastic parishioners
and community groups of all ages. Encourage as much local
involvement as possible and the trees will be cared for during the
important early years. It is important to consider the long term
maintenance of the trees. This could be co-ordinated by the tree
warden or parish representative or undertaken by the landowner.
Recommended species
To ensure that the natural quality of the landscape and
biodiversity of the parish is maintained it is wise to plant native
trees. Ideally trees grown from seeds collected locally should be
used as these will be most suited to the local climate.
Occasionally, a special tree such as a Giant Redwood may be planted
in a churchyard or cemetery.
Where new woodland planting is required on a larger scale there
are
grants available from the Forestry Commission
(new window).
For more information please contact the countryside and open
space team on either 01394 444420 or
444619 or email
communityandeconomic@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.