10,000 Trees to Transform Governs Park – What’s Happening?

Work has begun on planting up to 10,000 trees in Governs Park, a key part of the Langarth Garden Village development. The trees, grown in the onsite tree nursery, will be planted over the next few weeks, helping to shape the future of the park.

First Stage of Governs Park Development

Local Cornwall Councillor Dulcie Tudor and Councillor Derek Green from Kenwyn Parish Council joined the planting efforts earlier this week. The event marked the start of construction for the new park, which will cover around 35 hectares (85 acres) of natural green space.

The park is designed around Penventinnie Round, a historic circular ring of trees that was originally an Iron Age fort. As well as the new woodland, Governs Park will feature over 6km of walking and cycling routes, linking into the wider Langarth path network.

A Green Space for the Future

The park has been designated as a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG), following guidelines set out by Natural England. It is intended to benefit both future residents of Langarth Garden Village and those already living in Threemilestone, Kenwyn and Truro.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for housing and planning, Olly Monk, said:

“While Governs Park will be constructed over the next few years, in line with the construction of housing, we wanted the trees to be established as early as possible. This will ensure that the completed park will benefit from what then will be an area of new woodland in amongst the existing mature trees that surround the park.”

Over the next 20 to 25 years, up to 50,000 new native trees will be planted across Langarth, helping to support wildlife, improve air quality and capture carbon.

Local Efforts in Tree Growing

The trees being planted in Governs Park have been grown from small saplings in the onsite tree nursery, managed by local company The Grower. The nursery has been developed with support from the community, including pupils from Threemilestone Primary School.

Portfolio Director Harry Lewis highlighted the benefits of growing trees locally, stating:

“We are very proud that the trees, which are indigenous species found commonly in Cornwall, have been grown from small saplings in our onsite tree nursery allowing them to establish and acclimatise to our local conditions.”

Councillor for Threemilestone and Chacewater reflected on the progress made since the nursery was first set up:

“I remember helping to plant these tiny saplings at the nursery site. So it’s lovely to be back three years later to help relocate them to Governs Park. Trees are nature’s drainage infrastructure, increasing water absorption, catching rainfall and slowing down surface water runoff, so they play a really important part in a Garden Village Development like Langarth.”

With thousands of trees now being planted, Governs Park is set to become a major green space for Cornwall, providing a natural retreat for both residents and wildlife.