Ten thousand trees planted in Exeter since the year 2000

More than 10,000 trees have been planted in Exeter since the year 2000, the City Council has revealed.

Many of the trees were planted across the city as part of the Council’s Urban Woodland project but others have been introduced into parks and open spaces over the years.

The City Council places a high value on trees across the city. Damaged trees are replaced with new ones and the Council works hard to ensure the city stays green, benefiting the lives of residents, visitors and the environment itself.

Today the City Council helped plant a small-leaved lime tree (Tilia Cordata) in Heavitree Pleasure Ground.

The tree is a parting gift from the now defunct Heavitree Community Association, who wanted to give something back to the local community. The outgoing group also has plans to install a bench in the park made from recycled plastic and will give any remaining funds to the local medical centre.

HCA’s former chairman Tony Langmead, said: “Over the years there has been a dwindling number of people who have stood for election onto the committee, so the Association has now gone into trusteeship.”

A number of community groups continue to look after the interests of the local community, like Parklife Heavitree.

“The group is in limbo at the moment and may regenerate in some shape or form in the future but for the time being, we wanted to do something with the money we had," added Langmead. "With Heavitree Pleasure Ground playing a central part in community life, we decided to plant a tree for people to enjoy.”

The tree is located at the North end of the park by Roseland Crescent. The HCA kindly paid for the tree and planting costs.