Shrewsbury Town Council’s Countryside Team will be undertaking a number of tree planting sessions at Monkmoor River Ground over the next couple of months and are looking for volunteers to come along and help out.
The aim of the project is to create a mix of open grassland, scrub, hedges, woodland and park trees on an area of land owned by the Town Council.
Matt Wilcoxon, the Town Council’s countryside and greenspace team leader, said: “We are looking for volunteers to join us as we start our programme of tree planting at Monkmoor River Ground. Gloves, tools and any necessary equipment will be provided so all we ask is that people wear warm clothes and bring their own food and drink.
“This is a great chance to get involved with a conservation project that should be visible for generations.”
As part of more extensive work to improve the area, the Environment Agency has funded habitat and access improvements at land off Monkmoor Lane, including the construction of new fishing pegs along the river bank and the planting of about 2,000 trees of 40 different species. Shrewsbury Town Fisheries has carried out the peg construction for anglers whilst Shrewsbury Town Council’s Countryside Team, along with volunteers, are carrying out the tree planting.
Both Shrewsbury Town Council and the Environment Agency have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030, and trees play a vital role in this aim. The trees will also provide wildlife habitat, stabilise the river banks and reduce air pollution.
Several local groups are helping with the tree planting throughout January and February, including Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Trinity Churches, Extinction Rebellion and the Porthill Posse. As well as providing funding for the project, the Environment Agency’s ‘Green Group’ volunteers are coming along to help.
If anyone would like to help, they can join the teams on 15th January, 29th January, 5th February and 19th February, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. For more information, please contact matt.wilcoxon@shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk.
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