Witham: Groups come together to plant new trees in Spa Road

The trees were planted near the playpark in Spa Road on Saturday by the Witham Tree Group, alongside Popcorn young adults community group, and councillors Ronald Ramage and Jon Hayes.

They dug holes and planting a mix of silver birch, horse chestnut and other species of trees.

The Witham Tree Group was founded in 2012 by a group of residents who want to increase the number of trees in Witham for the environment and future generations.

Getting involved - Popcorn Young Adults Community member Hayden Andrews and Councillor Barry Fleet of Witham Tree Group (Image: Popcorn Young Adults Community)

After planning trees, flexi hoses are put into the ground, and the group continues to water them.

Witham Tree Group chairman Barry Fleet was delighted with the turn out.

He said: "The Witham Tree Group were really pleased to have the joint event with Popcorn Community so that younger people could actively get involved and help fight climate change.

"We need more youth involvement to help get more trees in the ground in Witham, for the benefit of everyone.

"The Spa Road area looks great with all the new trees."

Popcorn is a non-profit organisation designed by and for young adults aged 16 to 30 started in February last year.

The organisation’s aim is to reduce loneliness, help young adults socialise, and build meaningful connections.

Popcorn also runs a mixture of eight-week programmes, introduces its members to other groups in the community, and more.

Environmentally friendly - Popcorn Young Adults Community member Arnaud Mouttou Coumarane with members from the Witham Tree Group (Image: Popcorn Young Adults Community)

Popcorn founder Paulina Kostas said: “Getting involved felt like a fantastic opportunity to help the Witham community, to do something great for the environment and to build meaningful connections with other residents.

“Popcorn was grateful to join on the day.”

Both councillors attended the planting because Spa Road is in their Witham West ward.

Mr Ramage said: “It’s in my ward, so I have an interest but at the end of the day, it is quite fulfilling as it helps the environment.

Helping hand - Councillor Jon Hayes and Councillor Ronald Ramage (Image: Councillor Ronald Ramage)

“We are in a situation where we want to reduce carbon emissions.

“Trees provide better quality air and help reduce noise levels. They also look good in the summer.

“We can’t have enough of them really, so to sacrifice a couple of hours is worth it.

“The Witham Tree Group is community-led and I’m a big believer in community projects - it’s important.”