Community woodland planted at local meadow

A woodland has been planted in a community meadow between Shaw and Whitley, adding to the green space for residents to enjoy. 

Some 240 trees have been planted at Evergreen Meadow which was purchased for the community by a local couple in 2023.

The woodland includes native deciduous trees such as holly, hazel, crab apple and field maple. The project is expected to form part of the Forest of Avon, announced last year as a major new national forest that will see 20million trees planted across the west of England, with Melksham identified as a key area. Funding for the planting was secured by residents from Wiltshire Council.

Residents got stuck into planting the trees during a community planting day on Wednesday 17th December.

The project has been led by local couple Mike and Leila Sarson-Rowe, who purchased the meadow after concerns it could be developed for housing, potentially merging the two villages into one suburb.

Mike said, “It has been fantastic to have the support of the community to plant the trees and our hope is that by next summer people can enjoy it and children will be walking to school through the woodland and meadow.

“Thank you to Rosie and Paddy from Green Mantle Ecosophy, who helped plant all the trees. Green Mantle have been really helpful in getting this project planned and completed.

“The hope is that in years to come we can see it grow into something beautiful. We had a range of birds there this spring, which was a nice surprise. We always wanted to create something unique for the community and the community are willing to help.”

After Mike and Leila purchased the land, a group of around 20 volunteers helped clear brambles from the meadow and create easier access pathways.

The space also includes picnic benches and tables. Mike and Leila have also been growing crops there, including potatoes, which were sold at Whitley Stores.