Spring is in the air and with buds now beginning to swell and open, there is a sense of excitement to see how the trees planted in the last year will be developing. In addition to the 40 + trees planted in December, by the time this article appears, we hope to have put some twenty or so fruit trees in the ground at the Peverells!
Winter Workshop
Following National Tree Planting Week, we had a period of rest and recuperation through the cold times. In preparation for 2024 planting and tree care programme, the new season kicked off with an excellent practical workshop on tool sharpening and care run by Dan Ori of Gardening in Action (GIA). What a collection of disparate tools was unearthed from the depths of cupboards and sheds! Dan emphasised how important it is to use clean, sharp tools to avoid spreading the increasing number of plant diseases such as box blight and phytophthora. After a couple of hours of filing, sharpening and oiling, a delicious buffet spread, courtesy of Mamoosh, was very welcome!! From February our twice monthly TLC sessions on Tuesday and Saturdays have recommenced and these continue until the August break. What challenges will the weather hold for our trees as winter slips away?
More Trees
We remain enormously grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ouse Valley Climate Action whose financial support enables us to continue our work.
Seaford has been flagged up as having less tree cover than other neighbouring towns, so good news from ESCC that they too are planning to plant trees in Seaford this year, at Marine Parade and Beacon Drive. And cheers for Brighton Permaculture Trust who intend to put in fruit trees in Valley Dip and other town locations
Destruction of trees in Walmer Road
We were all sad and angry when trees in Walmer Road were destroyed last year, with the value of the trees lost running into several thousands of pounds. However, we were uplifted by the response from the community, with many residents getting in touch to ask what they could do to help. Police investigations are active and ongoing. Meanwhile, district councillor Becky Francomb is setting up a “Friends of Walmer Road Rec” to bring together local residents and other stakeholders to look at what can be done to further enhance the park and tackle anti-social behaviour. If you are interested in getting involved, please email friendsofwalmerroadrec@gmail.com. The destroyed trees have been replaced by the county council and will grow into a magnificent avenue for the next generation!
Nominations and volunteers!
Do consider nominating your road verges, school, churchyard or company grounds for trees this year – we’d love to hear from you. Some of the roads whose residents have expressed interest for 2024 include Kingston Close and Cuckmere Road East. You might even resolve to make contact about becoming a volunteer with us! Get in touch via email or Facebook
Email: treesforseaford@gmail.com
Website: treesforseaford.wordpress.com
FB: facebook.com./treesforseaford
