A COMMUNITY-MINDED resident has secured 210 tree saplings to be planted in her neighbourhood.
Kirsty Ross, from Winnersh applied for the young trees from the Woodland Trust, and was told last week they have been given the approval.
“I didn’t expect to get a response so quickly,” she said. “The Woodland Trust said I might not hear back until June, but I’m absolutely delighted they said yes.”
Ms Ross was inspired to apply for the community trees after watching Network Rail fell hundreds of trees along the railway line.
“Winnersh is becoming a bit of a concrete jungle now,” she said. “Originally I applied for 400 trees, and asked that some could go in people’s back gardens which overlook the railway line, but unfortunately, the Woodland Trust couldn’t approve those.
“So we have 210 tree saplings for community spaces, and they suggested two varieties that would work in our area.”
The community trees will be delivered in November, but Mrs Ross is already planning their locations.
“I’ve already got backing from Prue Bray, one of our local councillors. She doesn’t think there will be much problem getting approval to plant them.
“I’ve had about 20 people get in touch with me and suggest planting locations, but I am looking for as many as possible in case some locations aren’t approved.”
Once Mrs Ross has a full list of proposed sites she will pitch the plan to the Winnersh Parish Council.
If approved, she then hopes to work with the leisure and amenities group to organise planting.
“We could even do a big planting day, when they arrive in November.
“The Woodland Trust has information on their website about organising a day to plant all of the trees, it would be a great community event.”
Winnersh councillor Prue Bray was happy to hear about Mrs Ross’ success in her bid for the trees.
She said: “All three of the Winnersh councillors are in full support of Kirsty and her project.
“When it comes to organising a planting day, we can help to organise volunteers if needed, and as a Parish Council, we have plenty of land that trees could be planted on in community spaces.
“It will take a little bit of time to organise, but we should be able to do it. We just need to get the Borough Council’s permission too.”
Winnersh residents who would like to suggest a planting location should email kirsty.ross@me.com with their idea.
