Trees for Seaford

NATIONAL TREE PLANTING WEEK

We have had a very busy and successful time so far with this winter’s planting. Activities commenced with a training update in early November, putting in saplings at Southdown Corner, including one tree in memory of past members Colin and Diana Windley.

More recently volunteers put in 20+ trees on Chyngton Avenue one sunny Saturday morning, where a score of people turned up to dig, hammer stakes, ferry tools where needed, spread woodchip and plant bulbs around the new trees. Big thanks to Dan for providing lovely hot refreshments at the halfway point. It was a wonderful morning and gave us lots of opportunities to chat with residents. Despite having to postpone the next day’s planting at Farm Close and Grosvenor Road due to wild weather, we were able to get nine trees planted a few days later, with three more due soon. A further memorial tree to supporter Pete Tatham was planted in Saltwood Road. Many thanks to the helpful residents in all those roads.

The Peace Garden, St Thomas More Church and the Crouch received a variety of trees. At the Crouch representatives of three Seaford groups (Seaford WI, Churches Together and Seaford Rotary) all attended the memorial planting of three ornamental cherries to extend the row alongside the playground. We are hugely grateful for all donations received from residents at the planting sites, which go to offset organisational costs over and above our funding from LATF and Heritage Lottery Fund – our tools, training, insurances and turf disposal.

Many of our members came out to help plant 200 hedgerow shrubs with the Friends of Sutton Downs in mid-November – and helped them with apple tree planting in December (see more at www.seafuture. org/friends-of-suttondowns). We are also helping put in a wildlife hedge on the Rathfinny Estate, where 215 ‘whips’ will go in to offset the carbon footprint of the 215 competitors in the 2022 annual Rathfinny Run. Finally, we look forward to planting in Mason Road in February – an event unfortunately delayed by SGN street works, although this gave us the opportunity for contact building and an informative conversation about the gas networks!

Join our merry band?

It has been a pleasure to meet several new members over the last few weeks, including some excellent diggers! But we are still looking for people who can also provide admin support including legal compliance and advice, especially now that we have become a CIC (Community Interest Company). We look forward to getting to know some of the new volunteers better at our January social, and promise a warm welcome to a friendly and inclusive group.

And finally… with infamous strong Seaford winds expected, please do get in touch if you notice young street trees which need re-staking – or other ‘treemergency’ needs.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Email treesforseaford@gmail.com. Website: treesforseaford.wordpress.com www.enaturingseaford.org FB: facebook.com./treesforseaford