Town Council and Arboretum partnership marks 14,000 trees landmark, but they aren’t stopping!
Sidmouth Arboretum marked the milestone of planting 14,000 trees in the Sid Valley, by planting a Silver Lime in the Knowle Parkland on Friday. The tree, donated by Sidmouth Town Council, acts as a lasting symbol of the project which has brought together people across the community.
In 2022 the Town Council set the Arboretum a target of planting 14,000 young trees in 5 years, one for each resident of the Sid Valley. An army of volunteers (often working in challenging midwinter conditions) worked to create wildlife habitats hedges using hedging whips. As well as promoting biodiversity, these hedges also help the River Sid Catchment Group’s project to slow the flow of water running off the high ground into the river after heavy rain.
While the 14,000 target was reached in December 2025, the dedicated volunteer team has continued planting. And there are now over 17,000 whips in the ground that will grow into more than 3km of hedgerows. The project was generously supported by East Devon National Landscape, the Woodland Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Tree Council and National Highways through grants and providing trees.
The Arboretum has also committed to planting 250 trees in the urban landscape and as part of this project, volunteers, working with Sidmouth Town Council, last week planted a small community orchard at Long Park, the fifth in the Valley. Nine young dessert apple trees including varieties such as Discovery, Pixie and Egremont Russet have been planted. They will begin to bear fruit in two years’ time, so that children using the nearby play area can help themselves to a healthy and delicious snack while playing. Cllr Hilary Nelson, Chair of Sidmouth Town Council said: “Congratulations to the Arboretum and all the volunteers who have worked so hard to achieve this impressive landmark. Our Environment Committee works hard with the many volunteer environmental groups who give so much to the Sid Valley and we are very grateful to them all. Such projects serve as a testament to what can be achieved through joined up working and community action and will be a lasting legacy for Sidmouth for years to come.”