Tiverton Volunteers Plant Hundreds of Trees for Wildlife Recovery

Seventy-four people helped plant trees in Tiverton. They spent six hours planting 664 trees. This created a “wildlife recovery zone” by the River Exe. The Tiverton Tree Team and Scouts led the effort. They want to help local wildlife. The area covers twelve acres of land.

They planted a hedgerow that was 200 meters long by a Devon hedge. They used hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel trees, along with dogwood, elderberry, dog rose and crab apple. These provide food and shelter, benefitting birds, mammals, and insects. They also planted windbreaks with other trees, allowing sunlight to reach them easier.

Tiverton Scouts planted 330 hedge plants around some dead Christmas trees and donated branches. This spot makes a good home for creatures. Harvest mice will be brought back there by two young people who are breeding them, aided by a grant.

Dan, a scout leader, asked if they were tired. The kids all shouted, “No!” and continued digging and planting. They also built a pond nearby to give the animals water during summer.

They planted each tree carefully, clearing grass first, then securing them in the ground. Tubes protected the trees, mats stopped grass from regrowing, and wood chips kept water in the soil.

Jenny Hayns designed the planting. The Conservation Volunteers gave many trees, while The Tree Council helped buy special ones. Additionally, a local company gave wood chips.

Next year, they will add fruit and nut trees between the windbreak rows. This will increase the area’s biodiversity and help with food security later on.

The Exeter Climate Choir sang for the planters. Chef Shirley Fields made soup from leftover food, but ran out before feeding everyone. She said the day felt helpful to the planet.

Franny Armstrong, who organized the tree planting, said we lost much British wildlife. She wants more zones like this, emphasizing that we need wildlife to survive, and helping them benefits us too.

Eva, a young planter, is scared of wildlife loss and feels helpful by taking part in the planting work.

Zac thought the day was fun, while Georgie walked many steps with wood chips. She likes working outside.

Kevin Keatley, who photographs local animals, feels this planting can aid wildlife. He thinks people felt like they helped.