Shepway Trees - Inviting comments and planting suggestions

HCS and other groups met recently to consider tree planting across all areas of the FHDC district. It's a multi-year project to demonstrate achievements and enhance the community environment across the district.

FHDC is very keen to get this project working and has a little more "budget flexibility" to support the plans of the groups involved. Where appropriate, school involvement is key to the project.

What sort of trees and where?

• Always follow principle of "right tree, right place"; consider the soil, location and the support / management needed to allow the tree to survive.

• Consider planting species likely to be resistant to climate change. 

• Engage the local community where the trees are to be planted to help. 

• Whips are very useful and cheap but standards will be appropriate in some locations (eg Eaton Lands in Hythe will be planting 3000 whips to repopulate open areas after ash trees removed).

• Hedges/trees in hedges are relevant.

• FHDC land - Finalising a review of planting opportunities on FHDC land (which will be shared). FHDC is planting trees in community gardens around council-owned tenanted homes. Other local authorities will need to be engaged to develop planting plans on their land.

• Private gardens - are a valid target, but consider right tree right location to ensure tree size does not cause problems in future.

• Farmland is a valid target: hedging and trees in hedges. 

Comments and planting suggestions, etc., are welcomed and can be sent to Alan Joyce at enquiries@hythecivicsociety.org.

Thanks and regards,

Alan Joyce