Timely tree planting as winter storms ravage Yeovil Country Park

PLANNED tree planting at the Yeovil Country Park this week is more important than ever before – even though we will not be around to appreciate what is planted.

Countryside rangers and volunteers have reported that the wild weather of the winter has seen 30 trees come down at the park – more commonly known as Ninesprings.

The latest tree to come down was a large Horse Chestnut during the storm on Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14, 2014) which saw its roots undermined from the water running off of the hills of Aldon.

Rangers have apologised to park-users that a kissing gate by the tree will be inaccessible for several weeks while structural work is carried out to the path.

PHOTOS: This large Horse Chestnut fell at Yeovil Country Park during the Valentine's Day storm.

The Friends of Yeovil Country Park, which is managed by South Somerset District Council, will be holding a planting day on Tuesday (February 18, 2014) where people can help to plant 11 native trees including Oak, Copper Beech, Wild Cherry, Field Maple and Crab Apple.

There will also be the opportunity to make bird boxes and bird feeders with refreshments available. You can make the boxes and feeders to leave in the park of there is a suggested donation of £5 for a bird box or £2 for a feeder if you want to take them

People can join in anytime between 10am and 12noon on Tuesday (February 18, 2014). You will find the Friends of Yeovil Country Park and countryside rangers next to the main cyclepath at Ninesprings, near Goldenstones.

The trees will be replacing some badly decayed False Acacia trees which were removed back in the autumn.

But it will take around 100 years before the newly-planted trees will match in size the Horse Chestnut which toppled in the storm on Friday.

At least future generations of visitors will benefit from the work which is carried out this week.

PHOTOS: The pictures come courtesy of the Yeovil Country Park's Facebook page.

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