Rasen Rotarians branch out to help lead creation of town arboretum

As previously reported, the arboretum is being developed on De Aston Field in Willingham Road, where there is already an adult-friendly outdoor gym area.

Heading up the tree planting were members of Market Rasen Rotary Club, who successfully applied for a grant from the Tree Council.

In all, 500 trees were planted, all grown by British Hardwood Nursery from locally sourced seed, with the guards and mats sourced from Green Tech.

Mark Strawson, chairman of the Rotary’s environment committee said: “The project cost more than £1,200, which Rotary have to pay up front, before claiming it back through the Tree Council grant, which will cover the full cost of the planting scheme.

“The trees planted were a mixture of English Oak, Green Beech, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, Mountain Ash/Rowan, Field Maple, Sweet Chestnut and Common Walnut.

“The mulch mats were made of jute and wool so will completely biodegrade.

“When the spirals are taken off, after about five years, they will be buried in a compost heap where they will also completely biodegrade.

“The only things which will not biodegrade are the pegs used to hold down the mulch mats.

“They are a hard plastic which can be reused then later recycled.”

Mark also gave thanks to Colin Horton, who advised on the selection of trees for the planting scheme.

Colin, who is the volunteer tree warden co-ordinator for the Tree Council was delighted to be part of the project.

He said: “This is a fantastic scheme for Market Rasen.

“It is great for the community to be working together and doing something to help negate climate change and encourage biodiversity.”

The tree planting is the first stage in the transformation of the town council-owned area.

Deputy mayor Stephen Bunney was one of those digging in.

He said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who turned up to be in involved in the planting.

“It was an amazing effort to plant 500 trees in just over three hours - especially in what was some pretty inclement conditions.

“It was also another great example of all ages of the community coming together for the benefit of all, especially in these troubled times.”

The next part of the De Aston Field project will be to create a track around the arboretum, which will be wide enough for those in wheelchairs and with pushchairs.

Coun Bunney added: “It will provide some pleasant green space at this eastern side of town for people to exercise in.”