A family has donated horse chestnut trees to the Primrose Nature Area after memorial trees were recently stolen from the site.
Some of the stolen trees were planted by residents in memory of their family members who fought in wars. Other trees stolen were also donated by Melksham Town Council as part of the Queen’s Canopy initiative to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.
Local resident Vicki Peaston, who recently spoke of the community’s ‘despair’ when trees were stolen, said, “The donation came from one lovely family who had collected the conkers, grown the trees on and were looking for someone to take them on permanently, as they’re well established. Then they saw the article in the paper and thought the nature area would be the ideal spot, as they live locally, walk the area and can still see them when they wander through!
“Donations are the way the nature area survives. Volunteers donate their time to keep the area looking tidy and when local residents care enough to donate anything, it’s so appreciated.
“The offer of the four trees was perfect, and they are thriving in the area now – as long as no-one decides otherwise. It meant even more than we could plant them in prominent places for the family to still see them grow. We always appreciate it when people offer us anything, trees, bird food, whatever! It all benefits the area and means that the local residents have played a part in helping keep the area going.”
Along with the tree theft, some bird feeders in the area were also vandalised and thrown into bushes.
Vicki said, “I honestly hoped that someone might have come forward through guilt and fessed up to [taking the trees and causing the damage]. I think I was maybe being a tad optimistic.”
Wiltshire Police said there was no update on the theft.
