Green-fingered cubs help plant new trees

Cubs from the village have planted 10 new trees in Homefield Park to replace some that had previously been removed because of disease.

The Iceni Cubs pack helped clear the planting area before putting in three hawthorn, three hazel, two holly and two cherry plum trees.

Dan Mace, of HI Trees, helped coordinate the session alongside the Parish Council and the cubs. He said: “The cubs were really enthusiastic. They cleared weeds, dug holes, bashed in posts, planted the trees, watered them, and put down huge quantities of mulch.”

The cherry plum trees have been planted closest to the footpath so people walking through the park will be able to enjoy their blossom in spring.

Tree initiatives

Six of the trees were provided through South Cambridgeshire District Council’s (SCDC) Free Trees scheme, which offers parish and town councils six free trees or one large pot-grown tree for community spaces.

Last autumn, the council said more than 750 trees had been planted across the district since the initiative began in 2019.

Trees are supplied with stakes, ties and supports to help them establish, with local councils responsible for planting and caring for them.

A post on the H&I Parish Council website said local residents have offered to help look after the newly planted trees and provide extra watering if needed.

Dan added: “This is now the fourth annual tree planting the cubs have done in the village, and I’ve been told they’re keen to continue. I find it immensely rewarding seeing them engage in tree planting, and hopefully it will spark a lasting interest in nature and the environment.”

Earlier this month, SCDC also announced that town and parish councils had been offered free commemorative blossom trees to honour community volunteers and remember those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

At the time of publication, H&I Parish Council told HI HUB it was still deciding when its tree would be planted.

READ MORE: Homefield Park tree work to start