Latest round of tree planting in Saffron Walden at Lime Avenue

The latest step has been taken in R4U’s environmental programme, with almost 500 trees being planted on the new open area at Lime Avenue, off Little Walden Road, Saffron Walden, this weekend.

Dave McLellan (R4U) Dave McLellan (R4U)

R4U’s Cllr Dave McLellan, who organised this year’s tree planting, said “We’re delighted that Saffron Walden Town Council has been able to plant another 500 trees this year, and I’d like to thank the 5th Saffron Walden cub group and all the other local residents who answered the call for volunteers in the papers for their help. It was a filthy morning on Saturday, and with so many volunteers we managed to get all the trees planted before the rain really set in.”

“Last year the Town Council planted trees mainly on the Common and around the Anglo-American Playing Fields, and because of the covid situation at the time we couldn’t involve local residents, so it was great to have the community fully involved again.”

Cllr McLellan continued “Lime Avenue is the new open space which Saffron Walden Town Council is finally getting after years of delay from Persimmon Homes. After all the effort we have had to put in it’s particularly rewarding to see it being so well used, even though the Town Council are still having to fight with Persimmon to get the changing rooms properly installed. On Saturday morning there were two football games going on the new pitches there, and the surrounding area provides a great outdoor area for residents. As well as the tree planting, we’ve left paths through them and open areas, and I also plan to have wild flower areas there, given their shortage locally and nationally. The Town Council should shortly also be planting mixed native hedging along the road into Lime Avenue.”

Louise Pepper (R4U) Louise Pepper (R4U)

“Finally, I’d like to thank Essex County Council for their help, and for supplying the trees and many tonnes of mulch, and of course the Town Council staff.”

R4U’s Louise Pepper, UDC Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said “This is yet another step in our plans to increase greatly the number of trees in Uttlesford, and my congratulations to Saffron Walden Town Council for it.”

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