How you can 'root for Somerset' and plant new trees (2024)

Communities across Somerset are being encouraged to plant new trees in the coming months to help create new woods across the county and improve tree cover in urban areas. Around eight per cent of Somerset is currently covered by trees - far below the national average of 13 per cent.

Somerset Council launched its tree strategy in June 2023, which intended to bring the tree cover up to the national average by planting 240 hectares (93 square miles) of trees every year up to 2033. The council is now encouraging schools, churches, residents' associations and other community groups to "root for Somerset" and plant trees in their area - with the Woodland Trust providing free saplings until the end of August.

Somerset's tree cover has been threatened on numerous fronts in the last few years, ranging from housing growth to storm damage and diseases like ash die-back - the latter of which has been especially prevalent within the Quantock Hills. Since the strategy was launched last year, the council has been working with its partners to create new woodlands across the county to offset development and prevent future flooding.

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These include the planting efforts within the Exmoor National Park (which includes England's tallest tree, just outside Dunster) and the Trees for Water programme operated by charity Re-imagining the Levels, under the watchful eyes of Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) South West. The council has brought together numerous tree planting initiatives across the county with its online tree planting register, allowing communities to see efforts in their local area and identify areas where more trees are urgently needed.

Cllr Dixie Darch, portfolio holder for the environment and climate change, said: "The Somerset Tree Strategy was launched last year in recognition of how important trees are to the Somerset landscape, the environment, and how that impacts the lives of residents, ecology, and society. It belongs to us all.

"I encourage anyone who’s planted new trees to root for Somerset and register them on the Somerset Tree Planting Register, as part of a community effort to get Somerset’s tree cover to at least 13 per cent, where it should be nationally."

The tree planting season typically runs from October to March, meaning groups should act now to secure the tree saplings and other resources they need. Using a grant from the government's woodland acceleration fund, the council has created two woodland creation officers, who can provide the practical knowledge and expertise to help people get the right trees planted in the right place for the right reasons.

The Woodland Trust - which is one of the council's partners on the tree strategy - is giving away thousands of free saplings to schools, sports clubs and community groups as part of its latest 'free trees giveaway'. More than 15 millions trees have been provided across the UK by the charity since 2010, with 10,545 being given away in Somerset alone in March this year.

Senior project leader Steve Shill said: "Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet. Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution.

"They also unite communities, inspire pride and bring huge benefits for mental well-being. It’s a great way for schoolchildren and all sorts of community groups – from sports clubs to faith groups – to learn about the environment and do their bit.

"Every school should have trees, but if you don’t have space to plant, don’t worry – you can still get involved in planting. Why not partner with a local community group or council to plant trees in a public space?"

To apply for your free saplings for this autumn's planting season, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities by August 26. For guidance and support about planting trees in your local area, email woodlandcreation@somerset.gov.uk.

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