Green-fingered volunteers needed to help plant 500 trees to create woodland at Kirby Fields

The council is inviting residents to assist them in planting 500 trees at Kirby Fields, Cowslip Drive, Melton Mowbray. 

The council aims to transform a 0.5-hectare site into a lush, broadleaf native woodland. The new green space will offer a haven for local wildlife, whilst also helping to reduce carbon in the atmosphere and providing a tranquil space for residents and visitors alike. 

The project aims to invigorate the area by creating a woodland walk in a park that currently lacks shade and is underutilised. In addition to tree planting, the area will benefit from new benches, litter bins, and picnic tables for community use and to enjoy the natural pathways created by the trees. These enhancements will make the woodland more accessible and enjoyable, encouraging more people to spend time outdoors. 

The 500 saplings, which are approximately 1 metre tall, have been donated to the council by The Woodland Trust. These young trees, all of which are native to the UK, are expected to grow into mature trees over the next 5-7 years. The benefits these trees will bring to the community are numerous: 

• Trees produce oxygen and absorb harmful gases like carbon dioxide, improving air quality. 
• Trees provide habitats for countless species, which contribute to our ecosystem's health and resilience. 
• Trees cool our urban environments, which is increasingly necessary as global temperatures rise. 
• Trees can help manage water runoff, reducing the risk of floods and water pollution. 
• Trees can have calming effects on our minds during stressful times. 
• Trees can muffle urban noise, creating a more peaceful environment. 

The council is inviting all green-fingered individuals and community groups to help out with the planting project between 9.30am and 1.30pm on Thursday 18 January, access is from Cowslip Drive, LE13 0FF. There will also be refreshments for those who participate in the activities. Those attending will need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  

The council will be providing equipment; however, this may be limited, and if residents are able to bring a spade, then they are encouraged to do so to make the process more efficient. 

The Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Key Project Delivery, which includes the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has supported the co-ordination of this project, Cllr Pip Allnatt stated that “This initiative is anticipated to breathe life into the space, making it a vibrant and enjoyable environment for everyone to appreciate.  

“Residents, community groups, and schools are all warmly invited to take part and be rewarded in the experience of giving back to nature. If you are interested in planting a tree, please join us on the day of planting. Trees not only beautify our surroundings, but they also help to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  

“In addition to this, they also provide a habitat for wildlife and improve air quality. By participating in this tree-planting project, you will not only be contributing to the beauty of Melton but also making a positive impact on the environment. The benefits of this project are significant and will take us another step towards becoming a cleaner, greener Melton.” 

~ends~ 

For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk