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Another 172 large trees for Spring 2025 image

Another 172 large trees for Spring 2025

The Council has funds to plant 172 large trees thanks to another successful bid to the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. They submitted a joint funding application in partnership with Trees for Cities, a charity dedicated to enhancing urban green spaces.

Mid Devon District Council is kick-starting the New Year by planting 172 trees across the district following another successful bid to the Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF).

The Council submitted a joint application for the funding in partnership with Trees for Cities, a charity dedicated to enhancing urban green spaces.

The Urban Tree Challenge Fund, an initiative run by the Forestry Commission, aims to increase access to nature in urban areas. Utilising the 80% match funding, the Council will plant a minimum of ten standard-sized trees at each of 16 sites in Tiverton, Willand, Cullompton, Uffculme, and Crediton.

The trees have started to be planted on council-owned housing and open space land, and the entire tree planting project is expected to be completed by March.

Councillor Natasha Bradshaw, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:

“Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to improve our environment and support local wildlife. We are proud to be continuing this important work, which not only contributes to our biodiversity targets but also creates healthier, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

This initiative builds on previous successful planting efforts, which saw the Council secure match funding to plant 66 standard trees across six locations. The Council also planted approximately 50 orchard trees across two sites, and over 600 whip trees in Tiverton, Cullompton, and Crediton during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 planting seasons.

Together, these efforts aim to improve the district’s green spaces, foster biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

The planting project is a key step in helping the district achieve the goals outlined in the Devon Tree and Woodland Strategy, which aims to increase tree canopy cover to an average of 16.5% across the county by 2050.

The Council remains committed to its long-term goal of creating sustainable, thriving communities through projects like this, which improve both the environment and residents’ wellbeing.