VOLUNTEERS are in full swing again planting trees at the Somerset Wood.

We have already planted around 500 trees of the 1,500 for Phase 2, which need to be completed by March; 1,600 trees were planted in Phase 1.

This project is the epitome of community involvement, with people involved from local councils, youth organisations and local volunteers, as well as 40 Commando Royal Marines.

There have been 877 volunteer visits to the site over two years, with the number of volunteering hours totalling 2,100!

It is fantastic to see families with children getting involved, and we plan to develop a “Children’s Corner” to record children’s thoughts, memories and experiences every time they come to the Wood.

One young man was collecting and naming worms on Saturday before popping them back in the ground!

The Somerset Wood will cover 23 acres and comprise 11,281 trees located in the largely rural parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine to the north of Taunton and west of Monkton Heathfield.

Each tree represents every Somerset man and woman who lost their life in the Great War; it covers those who were born in Somerset, those who were resident in Somerset at the time of their enlistment, and those who served in Somerset-based units.

SUSANNA ANDREW
Waterleaze