A small group of Chilcompton residents has put forward a scheme for planting trees in the Old Recreation Ground, just off The Street in Chilcompton, and is calling for villagers to support the cause. The Old Rec is an under-used resource as its function as a sports field and has been superseded by the recreation ground on the main road. The main area consists of closely mown grass with some mature trees around the edges. With a little effort and imagination, it could be improved immeasurably. There are multiple reasons and benefits to plant these trees.

Biodiversity: A report published this time last year - ahead of the UN biodiversity conference - showed that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with only about half of its biodiversity left, far below the global average of 75%. Biological diversity is essential for all life on earth. Closely mown grass is almost sterile from a biodiversity point of view. Although the existing trees create some interest and wildlife habitat, planting more trees and letting some of the grass grow longer would instantly increase its biodiversity by creating habitat more suitable for invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

Climate Emergency: This week, COP 27, The United Nation Climate Change Conference is taking place. We are all aware that the world’s climate is changing and there are many things that we should be doing to slow this change. Trees capture and store carbon, and it has been estimated that a young woodland can lock up 400 tonnes of carbon per hectare, according to the Woodland Trust.

Mendip District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 – what has Chilcompton done about it? A Forestry Commission census suggests that Mendip has 7.5% tree cover compared with Waverly in Surrey which has 39.2% cover.

Chilcompton Village Plan: When villagers were asked back in 2013 how the Old Rec could be used better in the future, 70% said that they would like some conservation projects. My guess is that in the nearly 10 years since that survey was done, given the acceleration of climate change and decrease of biodiversity, that percentage would go up if the same question was asked again.

Education: As part of our plan, we hope to get children from the school involved with the planting, giving them a stake in the future of the tree. This will create a sense of collective ownership and a valuable resource for on-going outdoor education.

We are not suggesting that the whole area is covered with trees, rather that we create several compartments with different types of trees, whilst retaining broad sweeps of mown grass between; keeping open the goal post area, footpath, and giving access to the basket ball hoop and circular swing. We have suggested a mixture of native species of trees and shrubs, as well as a small area of fruit trees to create a healthy pick-your-own snack orchard. In the 111 years since Captain Streeten gave The Rec to the village to commemorate the coronation of King George V, things have changed. We think that it would be fitting to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, a man well known for his passion for the natural environmental with a project with which he could identify.

Funding: So often plans like this falter for lack of funding but we have the amazing opportunity to take up a Trees for Climate grant administered by the Forest Of Avon Trust. This grant covers not only the supply of trees and tree shelters, but covers maintenance for two years. We cannot afford to turn this down.

If you would like to show your support please send an email to: [email protected] Sue Rankine