Published: Tuesday, 20th October 2020
A small team of volunteers planted young trees on the outskirts of King’s Lynn yesterday, Monday 19 October 2020.
400 whips were planted in a small controlled event which was organised by Churches Together in King’s Lynn and supported by the borough council in providing the land at King's Reach in Fairstead, helping with the planting and will continue with the ongoing maintenance of the new woodland off Anthony Nolan Road.
The first planting session attracted around 150 people to pick up a spade back in February, before Covid-19 restrictions were in place, this time 10 socially distanced volunteers took part.
The West Norfolk Trees of Hope initiative, also being supported by the Woodland Trust, hopes to encourage large-scale tree planting as a natural way to remove carbon from the atmosphere and reduce global warming.
Rev Dan Tansey, from the Church in the Woottons, said: "This was a much smaller operation than February’s event, with a small number of volunteers working in a socially distanced manner, as we can't manage a crowd under current regulations.
“Even with the smaller number if volunteers there was a wonderful sense of goodwill and the weather was a big improvement compared to the rain we experienced back in February.
"We really hope people will pick up on the concept in other parts of Norfolk and the country. We'd love to share our experiences with others who want to get something like this off the ground."
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: “I’m delighted that this planting could go ahead, sticking to social distancing rules to keep everyone safe.
“It’s great that others acknowledge the need to plant trees which is also high on our agenda. We will take on the management of this new woodland and hope to continue to engage the local community in its guardianship.”
More information about upcoming projects can be found on the West Norfolk Trees of Hope Facebook page.