Trees for Water

Reimagining the Levels, in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority, Farmers and Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest and the Woodland Trust, have funding, expertise and materials available for small plantings of trees and hedges that will aid water management. In recent years, Somerset has experienced sudden and prolonged flooding from extreme weather events and Somerset Rivers Authority is keen to support local flood management schemes. Slowing the flow of water by allowing it to percolate through the soil into the aquifers rather than overwhelming streams and rivers is the focus of the scheme. It is a way of working with nature to alleviate flood risk, using trees to infiltrate the soil and intercept heavy rainfall.

Landowners and Parish Councils with small areas of land that would not ordinarily attract funding can apply. Local knowledge of water pathways and areas that frequently flood would be helpful but is not essential; rather it would be useful to think about areas which are adjacent to watercourses or which will intercept surface water runoff and slow the flow in Somerset’s’ rivers. Retaining water in the mid and Upper catchments will help reduce flooding in the levels.Reimagining the Levels will offer expert advice on appropriate planting for the landscape, supply trees, supports and protections along with a payment for every tree planted.

This programme is available for the planting season of 2020-2021. If you are interested, get in touch with Kate Towers using the email form below.

VOLUNTEERS FOR TREE PLANTING WANTED

If you’re holding a sapling in your hand when the Messiah arrives, first plant the sapling then go out and greet the Messiah.

Reimagining the Levels, in partnership with Somerset Rivers Authority, the Woodland Trust and Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest (FWAG SW), are preparing for a busy tree-planting season (November – March) and would like to recruit volunteers to help out. Our aim is to plant trees and hedgerows on small(ish) pockets of land that will ‘slow the flow’ of water and contribute to water and flood management. We are also working with community groups planting woodlands and orchards.

In these Covid times we will have to respect strict physical distancing rules and contact and trace requirements. We will have only small numbers of volunteer planters with sanitizing stations.

At the beginning of the day we will offer a simple lesson in good planting methods, (a well planted tree will enhance survival whilst a poorly planted tree’s chances are diminished) and explain our programme of tree maintenance. A basic lunch of soup and fruit will be on offer plus regular tea breaks.

You can expect to get dirty but have a wonderful day. You will be outside in ‘the weather’ with interesting people and nature. You should wear weather appropriate clothing and if possible, bring your own spade. You will also need to bring a cup, bowl and spoon  – or your own refreshments.

If this sounds like something you would like to be involved with, then please get in touch using the form below. Spread the word, let others know they can be part of something big and healing in these challenging times.

 TREES FOR WATER  and VOLUNTEERS contact here:

The Somerset Tree Fund

Trees are incredibly important.  Their role in combating climate chaos is perhaps the best argument for planting more as they help to provide cleaner air, flood mitigation and lessen soil erosion.   They also provide homes to thousands of species, support livelihoods and promote human development, happiness and mental health.

Unfortunately, the level of tree cover in Somerset is woefully low.  The national average is 13% cover (compared to an EU average of 35%) and within Somerset our cover is just 6%.  Reimagining the Levels have been working to encourage and persuade more tree planting in our catchments and river plains, and have planted on seven specific sites last winter but we need help to allow us and all our community based partners across Somerset to do more.

If you have ever thought that planting a tree would be a good thing to do but don’t know how to go about it here is some GOOD NEWS! Reimagining the Levels is now partnered with the Somerset Community Foundation and can receive donations for tree planting in Somerset. These donations can make use of Gift Aid to maximise their value.

For guidance:

£25 will buy 10 trees with biodegradable protective cases, supports and mulch

£50 will buy 20 trees with biodegradable protective cases, supports and mulch

£100 will buy 40 trees with biodegradable protective cases, supports and mulch

£250 will buy 100 trees with biodegradable protective cases, supports and mulch

And so on…..

All monies accumulated in the account will go to purchasing and planting trees in Somerset and the benefits will be immediate.

Donate NOW by sending money on the link below.  Plant trees in memory of a loved one, for your granny or grandpa, children, friends or yourself – everyone benefits!

Somerset Community Foundation – Donate now

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/10704#/DonationDetails

About Reimagining The Levels

We are a group of people who all live on the Somerset Levels and care passionately about its future.  The devastating effects of the floods in 2013/14 to individuals, communities, the economy and the environment demonstrated the pressing need for a more joined-up approach that looks at the causes and solutions to flooding across the entire catchment.  The world’s changing climate poses a critical challenge to the people and landscape of the Somerset Levels.  Brexit too will have dramatic and far reaching implications but we believe that these changes could provide the ideal opportunity for a new vision for rural land use and its economy in terms of food production, farming support, environmental protection and rural development.  We have published a comprehensive report (see opposite) which details our vision. Our core group members are listed here.