COMMUNITIES across the West Somerset and Wellington areas are being encouraged to plant new trees in the coming months to help create new woods and improve tree cover in urban areas.

About eight per cent of Somerset is currently covered by trees, far below the national average of 13 per cent.

Somerset Council launched a tree strategy in June, 2023, to bring the tree cover up to the national average by planting 93 square miles of trees every year up to 2033.

Now, the council is encouraging schools, churches, residents’ associations, and other community groups to ‘root for Somerset’ and plant trees in their area, with the Woodland Trust providing free saplings until the end of August.

Somerset’s tree cover has been threatened on numerous fronts in the past few years, ranging from housing growth to storm damage and diseases such as ash die-back, which has been especially prevalent on the Quantock Hills.

The council has been working with partners to create new woodlands across the county to offset development and prevent future flooding.

Projects include within Exmoor National Park, which includes England’s tallest tree just outside Dunster, and the Trees for Water programme operated by charity Re-imagining the Levels, under the watchful eyes of Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West.

The council has brought together numerous initiatives with an online register allowing communities to see efforts in their local area and identify where more trees were urgently needed.

The planting season typically runs from October to March, meaning groups should act now to secure the tree saplings and other resources they need.

Using a grant from the Government’s woodland acceleration fund, the council has two woodland creation officers who can provide the practical knowledge and expertise to help people have ‘the right trees planted in the right place for the right reasons’.

The Woodland Trust is giving away thousands of saplings to schools, sports clubs, and community groups as part of its latest ‘free trees giveaway’.

More than 15 million have been provided across the UK by the charity since 2010, with 10,545 going to Somerset alone in March this year.

Senior project leader Steve Shill said: “Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet.

“Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution.

“They also unite communities, inspire pride and bring huge benefits for mental well-being.

“It’s a great way for schoolchildren and all sorts of community groups – from sports clubs to faith groups – to learn about the environment and do their bit.

“Every school should have trees, but if you do not have space to plant, do not worry, you can still get involved in planting.

“Why not partner with a local community group or council to plant trees in a public space.”

To apply for free saplings for this autumn’s planting season visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities by August 26.

 For guidance and support about planting trees in your local area, email [email protected].