A GROUP of volunteers with spades has been planting trees in Joel Park.
Wokingham in Bloom Holt Copse conservation group, together with a team from SecureHeat, planted two willow trees in the park to help manage excess water from a small stream which runs through the area.
Heavy rainfall in both 2023 and 2024 has meant that the grass has been very difficult to maintain due to waterlogged ground.
Willows were chosen for the project, because they naturally grow in wet areas and have adapted their leaves and roots to absorb excess water.
A Wokingham Town Council grounds and bloom officer said: “We’re very hopeful that with the willows in place, the ground will be able to dry out now.
“Currently the grassy area in the avenue (two rows of oaks) in Joel Park is unusable for much of the year.
It can’t be maintained because of excess water there – our machinery gets stuck or damages the grass because it is so wet.
“Our volunteers have previously tried to improve the area by installing a drainage system, but this isn’t working as well as we had hoped.
“Willows can absorb excess water, so we’re very hopeful that the two new trees will make a difference to the area.”
SecureHeat, plumbing and heating cover provider, is title sponsor of Wokingham in Bloom since 2023, and supports its initiatives.
For information, visit: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/inbloom and www.secureheat.co.uk