Volunteers create new pocket woodlands in Bullands Field
Putting the planet first took top priority for volunteers in Bovey Tracey on Saturday [January 18] when they gave up their morning to plant native trees by the river in Bullands Field.
This was a real partnership project. Bullands Field is owned by Bovey Tracey Town Council who supported the project. The initial idea came from Friends of Mill Marsh Park who then co-ordinated the project with input from Climate Action: Bovey & Heathfield. The group were given the whips by Devon Wildlife Trust and their Saving Devon’s Treescapes scheme. Ben Reynolds, horticulturalist and garden designer, gave a demonstration of planting, staking and mulching the tiny trees.
The actual planting was done by volunteers, ranging in age from small children to grandparents, who all shared a wish to support nature and create spaces for wildlife. All of us, especially the children, were keen and we all dug and mulched with enthusiasm – it was good to get our hands dirty and feel we were doing something for the planet, rather than, as one volunteer put it, ‘ just being bystanders. Now when we come on our walks we can say, ah, those are the trees we planted all those years ago and see how much they’ve grown.’
As a result of our volunteers’ efforts two woodland corners where the grass will also grow long have been created. Species included crab apple, hawthorn, silver birch, goat willow, wild cherry, dogwood and field maple. As Ben said: ‘There are lots of reasons to plant trees such as supporting wildlife, carbon capture, preventing soil erosion and flood prevention.
‘This is making a difference.’
For more information email sue.simmons@boveytracey.gov.uk
More news
-
Remembrance Sunday in Bovey Tracey
This year’s Remembrance events in Bovey Tracey are set to begin at 9.
Added: 09 October 2026
Eco heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside centre will cut emissions and bills
A NEW eco-friendly heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside Centre will cut carbon emissions and looks set to cost the town’s tax payers nothing, members have been told.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council awards £2,000 grant to discount food scheme
THE charity that operates a weekly discounted food scheme has been awarded a £2,000 grant by Bovey Tracey Town Council.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council agrees to appoint contractor for £60,000 Heathfield play park improvement scheme
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has agreed to appoint specialist contractors to carry out a £60,000 makeover of a tired play park in Heathfield.
Added: 10 September 2026
£20,000 CCTV installation in Bovey Tracey at no cost to residents
A £20,000 CCTV scheme looks set to be coming to Bovey Tracey with none of the installation costs being landed on residents.
Added: 10 September 2026
The Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey looks set to get an artistic makeover, led by the town’s teenagers.
Creation of a ‘youth-friendly space’ in the building, owned by the town council and supported by the National Lottery, was recommended by officials from Devon Communities Together who had helped monitor The National Lottery Funding objectives.
Added: 03 September 2026
Grounds man Roger Rance - 25 years commitment to Bovey Tracey
WHEN unexpected redundancy forced welder/fabricator Roger Rance into early retirement at the age of 55, positive changes were to follow.
Added: 12 August 2026
Bike maintenance point available free to cyclists in Bovey Tracey
CYCLISTS passing through Bovey Tracey can make use of a new £1,200 bike repair point donated by members of South Devon Cyclists Touring Club (SDCTC).
Added: 09 July 2026
Local resident signs up as Deputy Town Clerk in Bovey Tracey
LOCAL long term resident Sonia McCauley has joined the small team at Bovey Tracey Town Council where she now serves as Deputy Town Clerk.
Added: 06 July 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council sets aside cash for improved Heathfield play park
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has confirmed its determination to improve community facilities in Heathfield by setting aside sufficient reserves to deliver a £60,000 children’s play park.
Added: 23 June 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council calls on developers to finish existing construction before project extends
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has called on developers to complete the first phase of new homes at the Longston Cross site before starting work on more than 100 others.
Added: 11 June 2026
Added: 28 April 2026
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.
