On 30 November we began by planting in Pattison Close a tree sponsored by local residents in memory of their daughter. The family attended the planting of this liquidambar and, with its striking appearance and lovely autumn colour, we hope that it will prove a fitting memorial.
We moved on to Luard Way to plant two of the trees financed by Witham Town Council. The site had been suggested by a local resident, since there had previously been a tree on the site, and the new trees will complement the two we planted on the other side of the road in 2021/22. We are always happy to consider suggestions of this kind from local residents. The trees we planted were an ornamental pear and a red-leaved field maple.
On 7 December we returned to the area between the southern edge of the Humber Road estate and the watercourse which runs between the estate and the football and rugby grounds. We have previously planted in this area and Braintree District Council some years ago created, with our assistance, two small patches of dense planting which are now maturing well. We added six new Town Council trees here, three upright aspens and three turkish hazels. They should add interest and benefit to the site without impeding its use for games and dog walking.
Next week we aim to plant the last two Town Council trees, one in The Avenue and one in Armond Road, both to replace trees that failed. We then hope to move on in January to our main planting schemes in the Spa Road playground area and alongside the new cycle path near the railway to the north of the town. The schemes will be funded by the Forestry Commission through the good offices of Essex County Council. At the time of writing the funding has been confirmed but final comments are awaited from Braintree District Council, the landowner.
Richard Hawkes
December 2023
