To mark National Tree Week (22 – 30 November), Somerset Council is planning a week-long programme of tree planting at Pit Wood, Ham Hill, culminating in a Community Tree Planting Day on Saturday 29 November.
Carbon Aware Productions and Ham and Doulting Stone are funding and supporting the planting of 3,000 native trees, and during National Tree Week, rangers will be joined by regular volunteers, teams from RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset Council volunteers, The Friends of Ham Hill, and members of the public, who will work together to get them in the ground and strengthen Ham Hill’s biodiversity and resilience to climate change.
The Council is grateful to Carbon Aware Productions and Ham and Doulting Stone for their generous support in funding the planting of 3,000 native trees. Over the course of the week, rangers will be joined by regular volunteers, teams from RNAS Yeovilton and Somerset Council, The Friends of Ham Hill, and members of the public to get them in the ground and boost biodiversity and climate resilience at Ham Hill.
Tree Planting Schedule:
- Monday 24 November – Dry-stone walling and construction volunteers kick off the planting.
- Tuesday 25 November – Green Estates volunteers continue the work.
- Wednesday 26 November – Regular Ham Hill practical volunteers take over.
- Thursday 27 November – RNAS Yeovilton team joins the effort.
- Friday 28 November – Somerset Council staff volunteers plant the penultimate trees.
- Saturday 29 November – Community Tree Planting
All are welcome to join in at Ham Hill for a day of tree planting and community spirit. No experience needed, just enthusiasm. Guidance, PPE, tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.
📍 Meet at Pit Wood, Ham Hill at 9:30am
🚗 Parking available at Witcombe Valley Track
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Councillor Graham Oakes, Executive Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment, who will be at the community tree planting, said:
“Trees are at the heart of a healthier, greener Somerset. They absorb carbon, clean our air, support wildlife, and even help improve our wellbeing, and just spending time around trees can reduce stress and lift our mood. National Tree Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate all the benefits trees bring, and thanks to the incredible support from Carbon Aware Productions, we can plant 3,000 native trees at Ham Hill this winter.
“This project is a great example of what we can achieve together, boosting biodiversity, building climate resilience, and helping Somerset grow its tree canopy from a low 8% to at least the national average of 13%. It is also a key part of delivering the Somerset Tree Strategy, which sets out our vision for a greener, more sustainable future for Somerset.
“Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or simply curious to get involved, we would love you to join us at Ham Hill on 29 November and help plant a better tomorrow, one tree at a time.”
For more details, please get in touch at countryside@somerset.gov.uk
Planning to plant trees where you are, but unsure where to begin or what to choose? The Council can help with its expert tree strategist offering free professional advice. Get in touch at James.chapman@somerset.gov.uk.
