First 'Rotary Wood' sees 300 trees planted in Clitheroe for a greener environment

Planted in Highmoor Wood, off Pendle Road, over 300 trees and hedgerow plants were added to fill out an area of land that had been identified suitable for additional planting.

The established trees are now part of a three-year plan to help them thrive.

Clitheroe Rotary Woods was established recently by a group of green-fingered Rotarians wanting to do something positive for the area and the climate – with the intention that this would be the first of many woods and potentially a community orchard in and around the town.

"The planting was successful with over five entirely separate teams of family or individual bubbles volunteering over the two days –– getting involved digging, planting and supporting young saplings," commented Andy Belcham, chair of Clitheroe Rotary Woods. "It was all carried out under socially-distant conditions and we are delighted with how it all went. We are looking forward to seeing how our new trees establish themselves over the coming months and contribute to the landscape on Highmoor."

He added: "Now we have got our first wood planted up and learnt how best to manage the project, we will work on maintenance plans and identifying locations for future sites. We started off small with the view to understanding how to co-ordinate the Clitheroe Rotary Woods project and learn. We are now more confident of taking on our next project in spring when we take our next delivery of trees.

"We are hugely appreciative for the donation of our trees and hedgerow plants and on behalf of Clitheroe Rotary Woods, I would like to thank The Conservation Volunteers for kindly donating the plants: English Oak, Common Alder, Beech, Silver Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Common Dogwood, Goat Willow and Dog Rose – along with supporting canes and rabbit guards."

"We are in this for the long-haul," concluded Andy. "Our volunteers came from far and wide as people who wanted to do something positive for the climate, the community and just

get involved. Clitheroe Rotary is delighted to be simply a facilitator – our goal is to harness this community spirit and maintain a strong, motivated network of people we can call on as

our Clitheroe Rotary Woods project grows."

To get involved in Rotary and make a difference in your community and around the world, visit www.tinyurl.com/clitheroerotary or Facebook Clitheroe Rotary, or contact Bill Honeywell on 07866 413825 or [email protected]