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Help us plant trees at Caen Hill this weekend

We're inviting you to come and get your hands dirty and help us plant 1,000 new saplings at Caen Hill, near Devizes on Sunday 2 December.

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Everyone is welcome, it’s a great chance to get your hands dirty.
Sarah Brice

The day is part of year-long project, which has seen 12,000 trees already planted on the site alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal. The new woodland marks the Queen's 60 years as Monarch.

One of 60 Diamond Jubilee Woods being planted around the country as part of a Woodland Trust national programme of celebrations, the project also has support from the Forestry Commission and community fundraisers.

Sarah Brice, project manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “This is such an exciting project to work on, making a completely new woodland in Devizes.

“We have around two-thirds of the woodland left to plant. We held some planting days earlier in the year which local people helped with and we want a further planting push to close the Diamond Jubilee year.

Lasting legacy

“It has been fantastic to see families come along and plant a tree, which will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Everyone is welcome, it's a great chance to get your hands dirty. Just remember to dress up warmly and if you have your own spade, bring it along!”

Trees being planted on the day are hazel for coppice, cherries, rowan, oak and field maple among others.

The new wood on the 60 acre site will enhance the biodiversity of the area and provide a legacy for future generations, who are able to enjoy free access. Once complete it will include wide grassy footpaths and verges planted with wild flower seed mixes to attract bees, butterflies and birds.

The wood will be productive with some hazel trees being cut in rotation every seven years and used for stabilising the canal banks. One of the fields will be planted as firewood coppice – sweet chestnut, cherry and hornbeam all burn well and will supply the many locals and canal boats that have wood burners.

The planting event will run from 11am-1pm. It is open to all, under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Parking will be available in the Caen Hill Locks public car park. For more information contact Sarah on 0774 8936950

Last Edited: 04 March 2016

photo of a location on the canals
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