Eco-conscious volunteers in Broughton Astley (Leicestershire) and surrounding villages have been helping to plant over 1,800 tree and hedging whips during the 2021/2022 planting season.

The planting areas included farms, green spaces, parks and a canine centre with the support of the local volunteer groups (BAVG) and Harborough Woodland Volunteers.

Nicky Bates owner of Completely-K9 said “Owning 4 acres of land that is utilised as a dog day care, I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and it was always my intention to create a woodland memorial copse. The aim of this was two fold, to create a space where people can come and reflect and secondly planting for future generations which I feel is the responsibility of us all. When I heard from Joe Johnson (BA tree warden) that Leicestershire area very low woodland coverage, I jumped at the chance to help and offered an area of land for planting. We had a fantastic morning on the 19th December planting approximately 300 tree and hedging whips for the price of a mince pie and a hot chocolate we had a great turnout of friends. I find myself checking on my trees daily and I’m hopeful that in years to come I will have a beautiful woodland that not only will last generations but will be a haven for all manner of local wildlife”

The tree’s and hedge’s planted at 15 different sites in Broughton Astley included, crab apple, hazel, field maple, oak, bird cherry, dogwood, beech, black thorn, birch and more.

Leicestershire has one of the lowest coverages of woodland in the UK and Broughton Astley has one of the lowest (0.53%) in South Leicestershire making these projects vitally important to helping wildlife, the environment and supporting future generations. It will all work towards reducing C02, flooding, improving biodiversity and creating vital shade in the summer months for people and animals.

The tree’s were donated by TCV and Leicestershire County Council who are aiming to plant an additional 700,000 in Leicestershire.