TRANSITION Town Wellington is asking for your help to plant around 140 trees on Saturday 11th February at 11am in Linden Meadow.

You may know the field well for dog walking, but it actually only came into public ownership late in 2021, when the Town Council bought it. Their aim was to keep it from being developed and for community to use, plus to improve biodiversity and plant some trees for carbon capture, to help with their net zero target.

Over the last few months, to help out the council, TTW has been speaking to residents and experts to plan where to plant trees.

This year they will be planting trees mainly at the top of the hill and to the north. Next winter they will focus on improving a hedge, but are not planning on covering the whole field in trees because it’s a valuable south facing slope - great to watch the trains and have a feeling of open space, but also as a potentially biodiverse meadow ideal for wildflowers if managed correctly (ie the grass mown and taken away as hay).

Planting trees around the edges will create a “woodland glade” habitat which will be particularly suitable for butterflies.

One idea has been to contact the butterfly conservation trust in the future and ask about how to make this a designated site. A picnic area will be mowed at the top of the slope to enjoy the view, and TTW is currently discussing a bench with the council.

Species of trees have been considered for larvae food plants for butterflies, food for birds, height and structure within a mixed woodland, and diversity to be resilient in the face of climate change.

Amongst the oaks, limes, buckthorn, silver birch and many other native trees are a few food baring trees for humans, such as walnuts, chestnuts, hazels and a semi-wild plum, which will also be enjoyed by the wildlife. There is a ditch as flood defence for the railway line at the bottom of the slope, home to many rabbits. It’s been advised not to plant here and leave an area of bramble.

So TTW says please come with your spades and wellies at 11am on Saturday 11th February, and you can get planting.

A spokesperson said; “If you don’t have a spade don’t worry, there are some to borrow. There’s a lot to do, but we’d like to get it completed in one day.

“TTW will lead a gardening team to maintain the trees until they get established, but this site will need to have its own management team for the future, just like the Swains Lane Nature Reserve team.

“So if you’re interested in this field and want to help make it a wonderful place for people and nature, please do get in touch with us on [email protected].”

Directions; What 3 words is decking.general.whisker, nearest postcode being TA21 0DW.

Parking is really a problem for this site, so do walk or cycle if you can, or park respectfully in the residential area. The field is just off Linden Hill; go through two old gate pillars by a beautiful thatched cottage to the field gate. You could access across the railway crossing from the other side but it’s currently closed.

The best way to walk from the basins is to walk down the public footpath that leads to Linden Nursing Home, then turn left out onto the lane: Linden Hill for a short time, before turning left again after the road cuts through the sandstone; this will take approximately 15 minutes. The best way to walk from Rockwell Green is over the railway bridge, turn right towards Lower Westford, then right again opposite the farm entrance. If you are late we will likely be at the top of the hill to the left.