Free tree initiative to tackle floods, drought and biodiversity loss

Image courtesy of RtL

After a year of heavy rainfall and extensive flooding across Somerset, followed by the hottest and driest spring and summer on record, the importance of planting trees has never been greater. Trees mitigate flooding by drawing water underground into their roots and provide essential shade for both animals and people during the summer. With Somerset’s tree canopy among the lowest in the country, increasing tree planting in well-chosen locations is essential to support climate resilience and biodiversity.

Reimagining the Levels (RtL) has supported tree planting in Somerset for the past 5 years, administering grants for establishing up to a hectare of woodland and approximately 150 metres of new native hedgerow throughout the county. Grants are also available for small agroforestry schemes and for planting fruit trees and shrubs in community areas.

Funding is provided by Somerset Rivers Authority, the Green Scythe Fair, Carbon Aware Productions, and RtL. Grants are flexible and available to all types of landowners and sites. To ensure accessibility, RtL is happy to complete applications on applicants’ behalf. Grants include:

• Site visits
• Advice on tree species and planting
• Free sapling trees and shrubs
• Free plant protection
• Small discretionary financial support towards planting and fencing

RtL’s nursery offers more than 50 species of trees and shrubs, primarily native to promote local biodiversity. Some non-native species are also included to increase diversity and monitor their response to climate change, informing future planting policy in Somerset. Increased planting of trees and hedgerows will create new habitats, benefiting a wide range of insects, birds, and small mammals in a relatively short time.

A dedicated team of volunteers plants new woodland and hedgerows throughout the season (December to March). Some volunteers spend Friday mornings at the nursery preparing plants for collection, whilst enjoying the company of friends and the glorious views across the Levels.

For more information about RtL’s work, contact Kate at katetowers.rtl@gmail.com or visit reimaginingthelevels.org.uk.