Tree cheers for Chatteris

Volunteers braved the cold and blustery weather when they dug in to help reverse a trend of disappearing trees.

Residents joined forces with members of the Chatteris Past, Present and Future Civic Society and Chatteris In Bloom for a tree planting event in the town on Saturday.

The event took place alongside the old railway line footpath and bridleway, where a mixture of more than 40 trees were planted.

Julie Smith, a member of both the Civic Society and the In Bloom gardening team, said 30 of the trees were donated by the Woodland Trust, with the remainder being donated by local residents.

She said: “Both groups are keen to see more trees planted around Chatteris along with the protection of existing trees.

“These new trees were added to those which had been planted at the beginning of the line in previous years.”

She added: “According to the Woodland Trust , we are one of the least wooded countries in Europe and trees are continuing to disappear from our landscape.

“All of us out planting on Saturday hope to reverse this trend.” Mrs Smith said the species of trees planted during the event included cherry, walnut, silver birch, maple and hazel.

“We enjoyed good company on the day, got some exercise and appreciated the opportunity to help add something to our community for future generations to enjoy along this popular Chatteris pathway,” she said.

If any residents have more trees they would like to donate, they can contact Joanne Melton, clerk to Chatteris Town Council, on 01354 695166 and a message will be passed on to the groups.