LANDOWNERS, schools, councils and more are being urged to come forward and do their bit to help beat flooding on the Somerset Levels.
The 2024/25 tree planting season is here and community group, Reimagining the Levels, wants to hear from individuals and community groups who wish to plant mainly native trees, shrubs or hedgerows.
“Parish Councils may have tracts of land that could be enhanced; schools might need a hedgerow or copse planted or renovated,” a spokesperson said.
“Landowners with small plots of land, you might have a corner or even bigger plans for your patch.
“We would love to hear from you all and can discuss how we can make it happen.”
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Now in its fifth year, Reimagining the Levels works in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority Trees for Water scheme, where trees and shrubs are planted across water courses to slow the flow of water.
This stops the drains, ditches and streams from being overwhelmed in times of heavy rain.
“There is hardly a town or village in Somerset that has not been affected by flooding this year and our efforts to help reduce the misery and harm caused by unprecedented levels of rainfall have never felt so important,” the spokesperson went on.
“To date, the Trees for Water programme has delivered 130 different schemes which has supported 57,000 trees, shrubs and hedges to be planted.”
The programme also supports plantings that do not meet the Trees for Water criteria with funding from other organisations, with support from organisations like Green Scythe Fair and Carbon Aware Productions.
“We have helped schools, village halls, community groups, recreation grounds, parish councils, as well as individual landowners and a further 50,000+ trees have been added to the Somerset landscape via these community support schemes,” the spokesperson added.
“We try to visit every applicant and advise on the best way to progress, on the type of trees to plant, where to plant them and we supply both the plants and the protections e.g. tubes and stakes.
“It really is that easy and we make it happen.”
Anyone who would like to discuss a potential planting can find out more – and contact Reimagining the Levels – at www.reimaginingthelevels.org.uk, by emailing Katetowers.rtl@gmail.com, or calling 07872 664543.
Hello, I live in Curry Rivel and previously I have encouraged our Parish Council to apply for free apple trees to plant in Westfield, our main recreation ground. They are keen to continue to enhance this area’s biodiversity. Would this be something I/our Parish Council could apply for please?
Many thanks. Sounds like a fantastic scheme.