New trees being planted

WELLIES and spades at the ready – it's time to get tree planting!

More than 345 trees and 6,500 hedge plants will be added to the landscape of Suffolk Coastal in the next fortnight, the vast majority native species.

The planting fervour marks National Tree Week and 35 parishes and towns across the district will take part.

At Felixstowe, a number of oak trees and shrubs will be planted as part of a new scheme to improve the area alongside the entrance to the Cowpasture allotments in Candlet and Grove Roads.

As well as the trees, a wild flower meadow will be planted by the town council to give a splash of colour on the edge of the resort.

The trees are provided as part of the annual Parish Tree Scheme, run by Suffolk Coastal council, which is putting £4,000 into projects across this autumn.

"This important scheme is a massively successful partnership between Suffolk Coastal and the community which results in planting by local people for the benefit of local people," said Andy Smith, cabinet member for planning.

"Forty-one different projects will get underway over the next few days that will result in trees and hedges being planted in visible places in the countryside, villages and towns across our district.

"I would like to thank everyone who came up with ideas this year, and all the residents, town and parish councils who are going to be involved in the planting from Saturday.

"It is a marvellous initiative which has helped improve the look of Suffolk Coastal over the years and will be appreciated by future generations."

Projects taking place include hedging at Saxmundham Middle School and a copse of trees being planted on neighbouring historic parkland, while Saxmundham play area will also gain some hedging and trees.

At Martlesham there will be planting around the recreation ground and the Portal Avenue woodland.