Three successful, enjoyable tree- planting events were held  in February - and the great delight was that a lot of young people were involved.

The first two events were devoted to planting a long line of beech saplings on a new protective bank  around the quarry at Andy Gray's Elston Farm, working with his daughter Flora, who is a committed young environmentalist.

Thirdly, members of Sustainable Crediton were absolutely delighted to welcome volunteers to plant trees at Lords Meadow on Wednesday 23rd February. It was wonderful, volunteers kept arriving: a child in a pram, primary aged children, QE students, parents, grand-parents, a member of Copplestone Gardening Group. 35 volunteers in total, of whom 14 were enthusiastic young people of school age who'd opted for this positive half-term activity. Trees for joy, trees for the climate! Word had spread through the Courier, Next Door and Facebook. It felt at last as if Sustainable Crediton had reached our longed for "tipping point" as more and more people take action in response to the Climate Crisis.

We planted a total of around 150 trees at Lords Meadow, Beacon Park, Greenway and Southfield Drive. Thanks to Mid Devon District Council for providing tree whips, stakes and guards, and thanks especially to Steve Scriven and Steve Densham from the council for working with us so enthusiastically. Big thanks to all the volunteers, particularly those who lead the planting teams: Alison Orchard and Christina Dymond at Lords Meadow; Esther Mann and Abi Hindricks at Greenway; Ken and Christine McSweeney at Beacon Park; and Caroline Romijn at Southfield Drive, who also masterminded the event for Sustainable Crediton.

At the end a ceremony was speedily organised. As adults clapped, each child and young person was presented with their own Crediton Tree Hero certificate. Certificates were another inspired idea.

For more information about Sustainable Crediton, join our Facebook group, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter by emailing info@sustainablecrediton.org.uk.

We will let you know as and when further tree planting opportunities arise.