Plant a Tree in Saltdean (From The Argus)

Plant a Tree in Saltdean

1:51pm Saturday 5th November 2011 in News

Diggers are wanted to plant trees in Saltdean Oval Park on Saturday 19 November.

Local people are being asked to turn up with spades anytime between 11am and 4pm to help plant trees at the southern end of Oval Park. The trees were donated to the Saltdean Residents Association (SRA) by the Woodland Trust as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Linda Peachey, SRA committee member, said residents had commented about the lack of trees in the park and thought it would be good to have more shade in the summer. Linda discovered that the Woodland Trust makes annual donations of trees to community groups. She applied to the Trust on behalf of the SRA and received a pack of 300 trees.

Brighton & Hove City Council has been advising the SRA on where to plant the trees and will be helping with the Big Dig on 19 November.

Councillor Pete West, Cabinet member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "With woodland areas declining nationally we are delighted to be bucking the trend and working with the Woodland Trust and Saltdean Residents Association to create this unique small copse.

"The trees, a selection of ash, birch, cherry and hornbeam, will have to withstand the strong salty winds at Saltdean Oval but we have installed a windbreak which we hope will offer some protection.

"The trees will provide valuable roosting space for a variety of birds and provide a wildlife friendly environment which will all add to the biodiversity of the city."

He added that once the trees have settled, the council will consider planting bluebells among them.

Volunteer diggers can refresh themselves after their exertions by visiting the second annual Food Fayre in the Saltdean Community Centre which takes place on the same day. The Food Fayre will feature local food and drink, stalls selling cards, paintings and gifts, and entertainment by local children and musicians. Some 2,000 people attended last year’s Fayre and organisers expect this year to be equally popular.

The Food Fayre is open from 10.30am to 4pm, Saturday 19 November. Entrance is free.