You may have noticed a couple of new trees in Rodden Meadow and the Old Showfield which were planted last week. Frome Town Council’s Wild about Tree Officer, Helen Viner, gave us the low down on what’s been planted and why:
“We’re fully committed to planting trees in Frome, this is reflected in our Wild about Trees project and in our plans for the spaces that we look after in the town. Alongside the Rangers, we also encourage and support other people and organisations to participate in tree planting and engage volunteers to help us when we plant trees.”
Helen added: “Last week we worked with ancient tree specialist Julian Hight to plant in two of our spaces in the town. First, we planted three oak trees donated by Julian, which were grown from acorns from Selwood Forest. Initially, one has been planted in Rodden Meadow, to ensure we have a succession of healthy and hearty trees for the future of the space, and two at the Old Showfield, one in the centre of each of the fields beyond the orchard as these areas provide the space to allow the trees to grow to full capacity in the years to come.”
“Julian also donated and planted a Tolpuddle Sycamore in Rodden Meadow, which nicely reflects the sycamore on Millennium Green which is one of Frome’s oldest landmark trees. The succession of trees in Frome’s open spaces is something the Council factor into their planning and these trees will be documented throughout their growing cycle.”
Julian added: “Locally, we have ancient remnant trees surviving from the Royal Forest of Selwood. I collect their acorns, and have a small nursery dedicated to their succession. I was really pleased to be able to plant these with Frome Town Council last week at Rodden Meadow, and at the Old Showfields. Additionally, a young sycamore – descended from the historic Tolpuddle Martyrs Tree in Dorset – under the branches of which six farm workers met and formed Britain’s first trade union in 1834 – was also planted in the meadow.”
“Along with the well-known benefits for biodiversity, air-quality, and climate change, trees have always acted as meeting places. My hope is that these open-grown heritage trees will grow to maturity and provide shade and green gathering points for the people of Frome for many years to come.”
Julian has documented the planting with additional history in these videos:
Sycamore – https://vimeo.com/518774305
Selwood Oak – https://vimeo.com/522861226
