On Thursday 14 February 2019, Eric, Richard, Allan, Jane and Barry set out for a bit of tree planting.
The sun was shining and the sky was clear blue, birds were singing and spring was definitely in the air. We headed off for Spa Road with a trailer full of trees, posts, wire mesh, irrigation tubes, spades, forks and other assorted tools.
Our first task was to remove two dead trees on the Humber Road side and replace them with Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex); two impressive broadleaf evergreen trees that Stanley had sourced at a very good price. After opening up the cages, both dead trees were fairly easy to remove but one of the supports had been driven very deep into the ground and required a bit more elbow grease and perseverance to remove.
One or two Witham residents who were out walking their dogs and getting their shopping stopped to chat; cheered by the glorious spring weather.
We then moved further up, to the other side of Spa Road, to plant three Field Maples (Acer campestre lienco). This involved fresh digging, ramming in supports and fixing wire mesh caging; all straight forward and well practised by us.
This year, we are attaching labels informing the reader that this tree was planted by the WTG with support from WTC for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations.
Jane Noble
February 2019
