A new avenue of trees has been planted in Peasedown St John, thanks to funding provided by the Forest of Avon Trust.

Over the last couple of years, the village’s local Councillors Karen Walker and Gavin Heathcote (Independents) have been working with B&NES Council’s Parks & Green Spaces Department on the project – which saw 17 trees planted in Orchard Way at the end of last year.

The trees, a selection of Hawthorn, Rowan, Silver Birch, and Whitebeam, are part of B&NES Council’s overall tree strategy to see 100,000 trees planted across the district.

Cllr Karen Walker, who helped create the district’s tree strategy during her tenure as Chair of the Environment Panel, said: “We’re determined to ‘do our bit’ here in Peasedown St John to help the Council meet its tree planting target. Since 2021, Cllr Gavin Heathcote and I have either planted or distributed over 500 trees here in the village.

“These 17 new trees in Orchard Way contribute to our ‘Planting for Peasedown’ programme which we launched in 2021 in the run up to the late HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Karen and Gavin’s Planting for Peasedown initiative has seen:

- 15 trees planted at Peasedown St John Primary School

- 10 trees planted at the local croquet club

- 5 trees planted at the new Peasedown Community Orchard

- 17 trees planted in Orchard Way

- 4 trees planted in community gardens and parks

- 437 given to Peasedown residents for free to plant in their gardens

Cllr Gavin Heathcote added: “Trees are one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife.

“The new avenue of trees in Orchard Way looks fantastic.

“Thanks to the staff at B&NES Council for their hard work – particularly during those cold, wet December mornings. Your efforts are very much appreciated!”