Forest for Cornwall Marks Five Years with Tree Planting Celebration

The first 100 trees planted for the Forest for Cornwall more than five years ago are being celebrated during National Tree Week. Volunteers, schoolchildren and councillors planted the saplings at Tincombe Park in Saltash in December 2019 when the Duchy-wide programme began.

Cornwall Council is now hosting a special anniversary event at the same spot on Saturday, 29th November. The celebration will run from 10am to 1pm at the Oaklands Community Centre.

The plans for the day include a free tree giveaway, a willow weaving workshop, hedgerow planting and a walk around the Tincombe Tree Trail.

The Forest for Cornwall, led by the council, has reached its fifth year of delivery with around 1.6 million trees planted across more than 1,000 projects so far. The programme aims to continue expanding as tree-planting season begins, with a further 500 hectares planned for farms, landholdings, parks and streets this winter. That is the equivalent of about 715 football pitches.

You can read more about the Forest for Cornwall on the Cornwall Council website via this link: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/forest-for-cornwall-programme/

Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

“The very first planting for Forest for Cornwall took place in Tincombe Park in Saltash back in 2019 and we are really pleased to be returning during this year’s National Tree Week to celebrate how far Forest for Cornwall has come over the last five years.

“A huge thank you to all of you who have helped get trees in the ground over the last five years whether that’s in your garden, a community space, a farm, school or business.

“Planting a tree helps create green corridors that provide homes for birds, insects and animals, they’re brilliant for our health and help reduce traffic noise and air pollution, as well as helping to prevent flooding and soil erosion. Make a pledge this winter to get involved by planting or helping to look after trees in your neighbourhood.”

Free Trees Across Cornwall

National Tree Week runs from 22nd to 30th November and includes a host of free events across Cornwall.

It begins on Saturday, 22nd November, with a free tree giveaway at Newquay Football Club from 10.30am to 12.30pm as part of the Back Garden Forest scheme.

A second giveaway takes place the following weekend at Camborne Library on Saturday, 29th November, from 10am to 12pm.

People can choose from rowan, crab apple, hawthorn, hazel, guelder rose and dogwood saplings. Each tree comes with an information card offering tips on planting and maintenance.

More giveaways will follow this winter in Helston, Tintagel, Penzance, Perranporth, Bodmin, Redruth, Truro and St Austell.

Community Groups Getting Involved

Many Women’s Institutes are also planting trees during National Tree Week and throughout the season. Groups in Calstock, Veryan, Zennor and Hayle are among those taking part.

Anniversary Event Open to All

The Forest for Cornwall celebration at Tincombe Park on 29th November is open to everyone. The council is inviting people to join the activities at Oaklands Community Centre from 10am to 1pm.