COmmunity tree planting will take place at Pitt Wood, on November 29. Picture: Somerset Council

Get planting for National Tree Week at special Somerset community event

Paul JonesNovember 12, 20250 Comment0

NATIONAL Tree Week will be marked at a Somerset beauty spot with a special week-long programme of planting.

Somerset Council has announced that to mark the week, which runs from November 22 to 30, tree planting will be taking place at Pit Wood, Ham Hill.

The celebration will end with a Community Tree Planting Day on Saturday, November 29.

Carbon Aware Productions and Ham and Doulting Stone are funding and supporting the planting of 3,000 native trees, and during National Tree Week, rangers will be joined by regular volunteers, teams from RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset Council volunteers, The Friends of Ham Hill, and members of the public to get them in the ground and strengthen Ham Hill’s biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

The tree planting schedule at Pit Wood will feature:
Monday, November 24: Dry-stone walling and construction volunteers kick off the planting.
Tuesday, November 25: Green Estates volunteers continue the work.
Wednesday, November 26: Regular Ham Hill practical volunteers take over.
Thursday, November 27: RNAS Yeovilton team joins the effort.
Friday, November 28: Somerset Council staff volunteers plant the penultimate trees.
Saturday, November 29: Community Tree Planting

Councillor Graham Oakes, executive member for public health, climate change and environment, said: “Trees are at the heart of a healthier, greener Somerset. They absorb carbon, clean our air, support wildlife, and even help improve our wellbeing, and just spending time around trees can reduce stress and lift our mood.

“National Tree Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate all the benefits trees bring, and thanks to the incredible support from Carbon Aware Productions, we can plant 3,000 native trees at Ham Hill this winter.

“This project is a great example of what we can achieve together, boosting biodiversity, building climate resilience, and helping Somerset grow its tree canopy from a low 8% to at least the national average of 13%.

“It is also a key part of delivering the Somerset Tree Strategy, which sets out our vision for a greener, more sustainable future for Somerset.

“Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or simply curious to get involved, we would love you to join us at Ham Hill on November 29 and help plant a better tomorrow, one tree at a time.”

All are welcome to join in at Ham Hill for a day of tree planting and community spirit. No experience is needed, just enthusiasm, with guidance, PPE, tea, coffee, and biscuits provided.

Anyone wishing to take part should meet at Pit Wood, Ham Hill, at 9.30am, with parking available at Witcombe Valley Track. Use What3Words, ///waitress.state.custodian.