WELLINGTON Town Council is inviting volunteers to help plant 3,000 trees in the town’s green corridor before Christmas.

Having announced the launch of their ambitious tree-planting plan in September, the council are now welcoming volunteers to sign up and participate in community planting days throughout November and December.

Wellington Town Council is producing the scheme in partnership with the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, The Woodland Trust, to plant thousands of trees and shrubs in the 66-acre area of land known as the ‘green corridor’.

The first planting date will take place on Saturday, November 23, and will be open to people of all ages and abilities.

Wellington Town Council took over the management of the ‘green corridor’ on a 150-year lease from Somerset West and Taunton Council in January 2023.

Working with their partners, the council aims to ensure that the land is used to promote recreation, healthy lifestyles, local food growing and the development of arts and cultural spaces.

The planting of 3,000 trees is part of the council’s effort to promote biodiversity and improve wildlife habitats with the help of The Woodland Trust.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring their own spade and gardening gloves. A small amount of equipment will be available to loan out on the day.

The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, will be providing 75 per cent of the funding for the purchase of the trees, shrubs and guards.

The total commitment of the town council is for £2,500 towards the purchase of the trees, shrubs and some fencing.

Rosie Walker, the Woodland Trust’s external affairs officer for the South West, said: “This is an inspiring project for people, nature and climate. We want more town and parish councils around the country to make land available for nature, plant more trees to increase our woodland cover and make places better to live for everyone.”

A registration form can be accessed at wellingtontowncouncil.co.uk/greencorridor and can be filled out by one person on behalf of a group or family.