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
-
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
New name plaque gives historic corner of Bovey Tracey even more appeal
A much-loved and historic corner of Bovey Tracey has been given even more appeal with the installation of a smart new name plaque.
Added: 30 March 2026
Community Awards presented at Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Annual Town Meeting
A ten-year-old pupil at St Catherine's C of E Primary School has been named Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Young Citizen of the Year.
Added: 04 March 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council reinvests taxpayers' cash into the local community
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has awarded grants of almost £16,000, reinvesting tax payers' money into the local community.
Added: 03 March 2026
Roadside verges in Bovey Tracey to get eco boost
ROADSIDE verges in Bovey Tracey are set to get even more eco-friendly after the Town Council agreed to replace annual wildflower planting with year-round perennials.
Added: 25 February 2026
Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan
A meeting in January of Bovey Tracey Town Council discussed and agreed a Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan for the Riverside Community Centre and its associated operations.
Added: 02 February 2026
Heathfield families set to enjoy better play park
Families in Heathfield are set to benefit from improved children’s play facilities after Bovey Tracey Town Council (BTTC) agreed to seek ownership of a district play park.
Added: 21 January 2026
The Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Community Awards
This year the council will be seeking to make three Awards.
Added: 21 January 2026
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.
