THE former Gay Close play area near Baker’s Lane in Wellington has undergone a speedy green makeover this week.

The transformation is part of the larger Wellington scheme to increase tree cover, alongside the planting of 3,000 trees in the town’s Green Corridor. The changes have been made in an effort to improve the look of the area in partnership with Somerset Council HRA.

On Wednesday, January 15, the three concrete circles at the former play area site were removed by R W Gale and were then replaced by trees.

The chosen three trees are Amelanchier Arborea Robin Hill, also known as Juneberry, an ornamental tree that blossoms beautifully in the spring and whose leaves change colour throughout the year. This tree also produces black berries that are loved by birds and wildlife and are non-toxic to pets and humans.

A representative from Wellington Town Council said: “A good job. Thanks to the hard work of RW Gale, we were able to complete the Gay Close tree planting project in just one day.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Daniel Mancini, the tree officer for Somerset Council and the Somerset Council HRA for supporting this project. The tree pits will be planted with bulbs and covered with mulch within the next week and further planting will be implemented at a later date.

“We are very pleased with how this has turned out and look forward to seeing the trees thrive over the years.”

In January 2023 Wellington Town Council took over the management of an 64 acre area of land known as the Green Corridor on a 150 year lease from Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The council is currently working to plant 3,000 trees throughout Wellington and surrounding areas to promote recreation, healthy lifestyles and biodiversity.