MORE than 60 trees and whips have been planted around across Midsomer Norton’s Staddlestones Riverside Park in the last few weeks.

Part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered partnership project being led by Bath & North East Somerset Council, 16 volunteers took part in the project to plant the well-established trees and 30 young tree seedlings.

Somer Valley Rediscovered project officer Phoebe Webster said: “It was a brilliant and impressively complex operation: following the planting map to locate each exact position, identifying the correct species, and digging the deep holes needed to accommodate the two-metre-high trees and their roots.

"We have introduced a diverse mix of native and ornamental species, including maples, hornbeam, cherries, fruit trees, lime, willow, oak and more.

“Each tree was fitted with a watering bag to support establishment and reduce stress during the summer months and there will also be a two-year maintenance programme in place to ensure the trees thrive.”

Residents and park users stopped by throughout the planting sessions, expressing how delighted they were to see the new trees going in and hearing more about the project.

Contractors will be completing the new path in the near future, as well as new interpretation signs, further enhancing accessibility and enjoyment of the park.

Ms Webster added: “A huge thank you to our volunteers for their precision, expertise, and teamwork. These new trees will bring long term benefits like shade, seasonal interest, fruit, and improved habitat for pollinators and wildlife.”

Alongside tree planting and landscaping, there will be new picnic benches and seating boulders on the site, and a boules court and new footpaths.

Children at Norton Hill Primary School have created designs which will be incorporated into a new metal artwork entrance to the park.

The Staddlestones Riverside Park scheme is grant funded by the West of England Combined Authority and other partners.