VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help plant more than 3,500 saplings at a new community woodland.

People are being encouraged to seek out their green-fingered side at Spring Gardens, Frome, for guided planting sessions running from arch 2 to 8.

The effort will look to plant 3,800 saplings at the woodland, which is being created in memory of Frome resident and nature lover Moko Sellars, who died at just 39 in 2022.

The initiative has been supported by a crowdfunder organised by her friends and family, with Frome Town Council (FTC) working with Seed Landscape Design on planning and preparation, while a 99-year lease for the land has been granted to the council free of charge by the landowners.

With groundwork now complete, local residents, schools and community groups are encouraged to sign up for two-hour planting sessions throughout the week.

James Hamilton, of Seed Landscape Design, said: “We’re really pleased to have reached this important milestone in the creation of the woodland.

“It will be a fantastic space for the whole community, offering a tranquil and accessible place for play and relaxation, and a fitting tribute to our friend Moko, who would have loved it here.

“Planting 3,800 trees is no small undertaking, so please sign up for a slot between Monday, March 2 and Sunday, March 8 and help us create something truly remarkable.”

READ MORE: Work to start on Frome woodland in memory of Moko Sellars

FTC environment manager, Rob Holden, added: “Planting a tree is always a positive, hopeful act – doing it on this scale represents a really exceptional moment in Frome’s history, and we want the whole community to be part of it.

“Join us for a session in March to not only plant a tree, but to help create a riverside woodland that you can return to for years to come as the woodland matures, knowing that it will also be there for future generations to enjoy.”

Volunteers are asked to arrive on foot or park nearby and walk to the woodland as there is no parking on site.

Access is via Spring Gardens, and a location map and arrival information will be sent by email to everyone who books a session.

Session times at the new Frome community woodland:

• March 2 and 3: 10am, 12.30pm and 2pm
• March 4, 5 and 6: 2pm
• March 7 and 8: 10am and 12.30pm

All ages are welcome at the tree planting and no experience or tools are needed — training and equipment will be provided on the day.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves if they have them, to dress for the weather and wear wellies or walking boots.

Refreshments will be available all day and there will be toilets on site. Please book one ticket per participant, even if you are coming as a group.

Booking is essential, as any changes due to weather conditions will be communicated by email each day.

School groups will receive a separate invitation to attend planting sessions. Anyone else wishing to take part can book a place at https://bit.ly/planting-spring-gardens.

READ MORE: Frome news from your Somerset Leveller