During a recent survey in our villages of Elmley Castle, Bricklehampton and Netherton, the majority of people cited our local countryside as one of the major benefits of living in our unique location and community. The same survey also highlighted the broader concerns about our environment and the sustainability of the resources we use.

An opportunity has arisen to enhance the areas surrounding our villages and at the same time make a contribution towards helping the environment. Through a generous offer by James Hickman of Plumbworld to provide funding support, we are able to supply a range of native broad leaf trees for planting in and around the area. This would have the dual benefit of replacing many trees lost over the years and help to offset some of the growing carbon emissions that are affecting our global climate.

Whether or not recent local flooding events are due to climate change is questionable but the planting of additional trees will help lock in more carbon and will demonstrate to the local community that we are all prepared to do something to leave a better legacy for our children.

As a resident we would very much like you to be involved in this project. This would involve identifying an area, large or small, which would benefit from additional trees - from the reinstatement of hedgerows, to planting of woods/copses/spinneys, to replacing iconic park trees. The on-going financial support will enable us to provide the trees and also fund the planting, protection and future maintenance where necessary.

Elmley Castle, Bricklehampton and Netherton Parish Council is co-ordinating this project. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact either Gary Whitcombe (861507) or Gary Hickey (710787).

We do hope that this initiative is a success and something that provides a long lasting benefit for the villages and villagers for many years to come. We look forward to hearing from you.

We would be interested in hearing from anyone who could spare some land to be used as allotments. The Parish Plan identified a number of residents interested in growing their own vegetables and it would be great if someone could donate some ground for this purpose.