Call for volunteers to join tree planting

Volunteers are being encouraged to come forward to help with tree planting near Newton Abbot over the next few weeks.

A total of 16,500 trees are being planted this winter as part of Devon County Council’s ongoing work with the Emergency Tree Fund granted by The Woodland Trust.

The trees are being planted on public spaces and the County Council’s Farms Estate. Among the sites where thousands of trees are being planted is on the outskirts of Ipplepen.

Local not-for-profit social enterprise ParkLife South West is co-ordinating the planting of thousands of trees near Ipplepen from 10am-3pm on the following dates:-

• Thursday 16 February 
• Thursday 23 February
• Friday 24 February
• Saturday 25 February 
• Thursday 2 March 
• Friday 3 March

Volunteers can book a place on any of these dates via Eventbrite ParkLife South West CIC Events.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “The Emergency Tree Fund is helping us to accelerate tree planting in the county in order to move towards our carbon net zero targets, as well as creating new wildlife habitats. If anyone is interested in ‘doing their bit’ for the environment then these tree planting days co-ordinated by ParkLife South West are a great opportunity to get involved.” 

Keith Rennells, from ParkLife South West, said: "If you are interested in outdoor work, conservation, helping combat climate change or just love trees and your community then we would love for you to join us for our tree planting events. We welcome everyone to get stuck in, whether you have been involved in conservation and tree planting before, or if it's your first time. We'll show you the ropes, answer any questions and all get planting together. It's something you can do at your own pace, there's jobs for everyone and the community spirit and achievement at the end always carries us through any rainy spells!"

Ross Kennerley, South West Regional Director for the Woodland Trust, said: "The Woodland Trust is proud to be able to support Devon County Council in delivering its tree planting plans and a contribution from the Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund is one way we are doing this. People appreciate the opportunity to do something practical to address the climate crisis and nature crisis. They leave these tree planting events knowing that they have helped to create a home for wildlife and a place for people to enjoy as the trees and woods grow and establish over the coming years."

To find out more about the Emergency Tree Fund please visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/environment/landscape/trees-and-woodland/emergency-tree-fund