Most trees are planted in late winter/early spring. Without the support of others the Tree Group would struggle to complete this task in this limited period. The Group is therefore indebted to local firm Aegon whose teams of volunteers help us complete the task during this optimum time for establishing newly planted trees.
Our Supporters
Support from local councils
From the outset, the Witham Tree Group has had invaluable support and advice from landscape experts at Braintree District Council. This close cooperation between the Group and BDC has achieved significant results in just a few years.
Most notably, a project valued at £45k resulted in some 150 trees being planted across the town with funds arising from a Section 106 agreement between the developers of housing behind Spring Lodge Community Centre and Braintree District Council. The Tree Group and BDC landscape officers worked together to identify the locations and species to be planted but given the number of trees to be planted the task was contracted to Kings Nursery who sourced, planted and maintained (watered) the trees for a two year period.
The Witham Memorial Park is a major project further developed and funded by the Braintree District Council. The Park, completed in 2021, was created in memory of those who gave their lives for their country while serving in the HM armed forces during World War I and II, as well as other conflicts. The trees were planted by members of the Witham Tree Group, with assistance from Bee Brook Ltd. Additional help was provided by staff from the local firm Aegon and by pupils of Rickstones Academy.
The Group is indebted to Witham Town Council, who provide an annual budget enabling us to plant several quality trees each year.
Recognising the part played by trees in mitigating the impact of climate change, a major initiative by the Forestry Commission provided funds to local authorities to allocate resources for tree planting in their area. Support provided by Essex County Council from this general fund has enabled the Tree Group to plant and maintain a large number of trees.
Support from local businesses
In addition to their support, referred to above, in helping to establish the Memorial Park, staff at the local firm Aegon regularly assist us in completing the winter/early spring tree planting programme during this optimal time for establishing newly planted trees.
Support from The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)
When the Tree Group was first established, we had few funds, and the TCV provided our first website free of charge, for which we remain forever grateful. We continue to enjoy the benefits of membership in the TCV, which includes the annual provision, free of charge, of whips from a variety of plants, ranging from hedging to trees.