AN URBAN tree planting drive is taking root in Somerset.

Nearly 700 mature trees will be planted in parks across Shepton Mallet, Crewkerne, Taunton, Castle Cary, Ansford and Yeovil.

This is thanks to a £500,000 grant from the government’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund, which provides money for trees to be planted in urban areas.

The grant covers maintenance and care costs for the next three years.

The trees will only be planted in parks managed by the respective town councils.

Where are they going?

Taunton Town Council will receive 403 trees to plant across Taunton Green, Greenway Recreation Ground (Leslie Avenue), Lyngford Park, Pennys Field, Galmington Recreation Ground, Victoria Park, Hamilton Gault Park and Hawthorn Park (Upper Holway).

Castle Cary and Ansford Town Councils will receive 74 trees that are proposed for the cricket ground and Fairfield.

READ MORE: 3,000 trees to be planted in Wellington’s Green Corridor

READ MORE: Autistic man from Yeovil thrives after landing first job as skilled presenter

15 trees will be given to Crewkerne Town Council for the Barn Street Recreation Ground and Shepton Mallet Town Council has secured 33 trees for Collett Park.

Somerton Recreation Ground Trust will receive 46 trees to plant within the sports ground and Somerset Council-owned parks in Yeovil will receive 100 trees at Oak Tree Park, Yew Tree Park, Milford Park, and Lower Milford.

Somerset Council’s Woodland Creation Team is working with councils to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places for the right reasons, with proper aftercare in place.

Planting has already begun and should be complete by the end of the tree planting season at the end in March, according to Somerset Council.

Last month, the mayor of Taunton, councillor Vanessa Garside joined in to plant a wild cherry tree in Taunton Green.

Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside, and representatives from Taunton Town Council planting a wild cherry in Taunton Green Picture: Somerset Council

‘Somerset’s tree canopy sits at just 8%’

Cllr Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s lead member for public health, environment and climate change said: “We are thrilled to have secured funding from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund allowing us to plant more trees in urban green spaces across Somerset.

“This initiative is another step towards enhancing our green spaces and a significant move towards ensuring cleaner air and a healthier environment for our communities.

“As part of our ten-year Somerset Tree Strategy, we are committed to investing in a greener, more sustainable future for Somerset.”

Somerset Council says the urban tree planting drive supports the ‘future-proofing’ of urban green spaces, providing benefits such as urban cooling, increased water absorption, shade provision, improved air quality, and reduced road noise.

The inclusion of edible fruit and nut species will offer free, healthy, and accessible food, contributing to social, health, and environmental benefits.

Tree planting at Collett Park Shepton Mallet : From left to right: Andy Turner (Landscaper, 360Landworks), Councillor David Crisfield (Chair), Angela Morley Garden Design Consultant with Gary, Trevor, Danny (Town Rangers) Picture: Somerset Council

“All plantings are designed to complement and enhance the existing and future use of green spaces, ensuring they provide shade and urban cooling for future generations,” a council spokesperson said.

“The council will also encourage the beneficiaries of this funding to root for Somerset and map their new trees on the Somerset Tree Planting Register.

“With Somerset’s tree canopy currently at just 8%, our aim is to reach at least the national average of 13%.

“Every tree counts, and the Somerset Tree Planting Register is crucial for tracking our important planting goals.

“We also call on all residents, businesses, schools, farmers, organisations and anyone who has recently planted new trees to map them on the register and make them count.”