Second year of Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project takes root

The Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project has continued to take shape during its second year despite the challenges of national lockdowns.

Sadly, the public tree planting events we had planned as part of the project had to be cancelled, but we have continued with our commitment to make the city greener.

This includes supplying a large number of trees for parish and town councils to plant, as well as planting at some of the town’s famous green spaces - including whips for hedging across Castle Park, High Woods Country Park, Cymbeline Meadows and Salary Brook.

Alongside community interest company Together We Grow, we have been planting trees supplied by the Woodland Trust, who have also provided biodegradable rabbit guards to help protect each tree without the risk of contaminating the environment with plastic debris.

However, the project is about lots more than just planting trees. It has an important role in enhancing the natural habitats we have across Colchester, and improving access to open spaces.

Principle to this is working with residents, communities and local groups on any additional sites or changes we may plan, to agree an approach that makes the best of the area, preserving it for future generations.

To further support our commitment to the city’s environment though our climate emergency declaration, we have also reduced the grass-cutting in certain areas to help wildflowers and insect life including butterflies and bees; are committed to end the use of Glyphosate-based weed killer in general maintenance, except for certain invasive plants; and have encouraged residents and organisations to take part in seed-gathering activity to grow their own trees for the future.

The annual ‘Trees for Years’ giveaway, where we provide free trees to residents, was also postponed due to national lockdown restrictions. However, we plan to be back in the autumn to kick off the next tree-planting season, giving away more trees, shrubs and fruit bushes to residents.