Tree project hits 70,000 trees at end of planting season

Date published: 8th April 2022

North Norfolk District Council’s 110,000 Trees project has had an incredible tree planting season, having planted nearly 52,000 trees this year.

From October 2021, to March 2022, trees and hedging whips were planted across 48 projects, where the Council worked across a variety of community groups and schools.

Over 13,000 trees and hedge whips have been planted on NNDC owned land this year, and a further 6km of new hedgerow has been created or reinforced.

Hedgerows planted in Trunch

The Council has brought in local schools to join the project, giving their environmentally minded students some first-hand experience in ways climate change can be mitigated and biodiversity improved.

Cromer Academy’s Eco School, Sheringham Community Primary School’s Forest School, North Walsham’s Year 7 classes and Fakenham’s Infant School all joined the project to help plant trees.

Cromer Academy's Eco Club

As well as schools, the Council worked with 13 different community groups, including the NIB Wildlife Friendly Village Group, North Walsham Scouts, Smallburgh and Dilham WI Group, and 9 parish and town councils.

The Felbeck Trust

Dilham & Smallburgh Women's Institute

Leader of the Council Tim Adams and Bodham Parish Council. Photo: Callum Ringer

Cllr. Gerard Mancini-Boyle and volunteers in Hoveton

In February, the Council teamed up with Norfolk County Council in a partnership to bring the innovative Miyawaki Method to North Norfolk, with sites created at Fakenham, Sheringham and North Walsham. These sites were prepared and planted with the help of local schools and conservation groups to create three mini ‘urban forests’ as a pilot.

Find out more about the Miyawaki Method at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/Miyawaki

Sheringham Community Primary School

Nige' Stannett teaching primary school students about the Miyawaki Method and Tree Planting - Photo: Brittany Woodman

<pCllr. Nigel Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Climate Change & Environment said:

“It’s been an exceptional year for the 110,000 Trees project and we have enjoyed working so closely with the community; helping groups make a difference in their towns and villages and the next generations to learn the importance of their natural environments is essential for the future of North Norfolk.

As the tree planting season comes to an end for the 21/22 year, the total number of trees planted since the project began is now approaching 72,000. Considering we lost a great deal of time through covid lockdowns, this is a remarkable achievement. Many thanks go out to our dedicated Officers and to the many residents who have contributed to this project. Thank you all so much!

We look forward to another great planting season next year”

Cllr. Nigel Lloyd - photo: Archant

As well as planting schemes, the Council held three Tree Giveaways, which were so popular that more trees had to be brought to Holt Country Park to keep up with demand.

Tree Giveaway at Holt Country Park

Nige’ Stannett, Climate Change Project Officer, said:

“It’s been a busy season for us, we’ve had a great response from local communities, private residents, volunteer groups and schools – 50,000 trees to plant in a season is huge progress on the project and we’ve enjoyed working with all the groups”

There are around 38,000 trees left to plant next season before the target of 110,000 is hit.

Find out more from the tree project at www.north-norfolk.gov.uk