Hundreds more trees have been planted in a community woodland in Keynsham that has been hit by ash dieback.
Volunteers Don and Pat Weston with Councillor Alan Hale
It was planted about 30 years ago as part of the Forest of Avon and Forestry Commission grant scheme.
Variously spelt as Abbotts, Abbots or Abbot’s Wood, the wood near Charlton Road has had a chequered history with changes of ownership and concerns for its welfare as three housing developments were built around it and drainage was driven through it.
In 2024, Bath & North East Somerset Council began a felling operation to remove diseased ash trees in the interests of public safety.
Independent ward councillor for Keynsham South Alan Hale has liaised for many years with the council’s arboricultural manager, Denise Hart, and the community representatives.
He said: “The wood was a community initiative which saw a lovely area developed for walkers, dog walkers and children right on their doorstep.
“The new estates were built, and with them came a new community and a new group of people willing to care for the woods.”
Councillor Hale went along to an action day held on Tuesday 10th March when Denise Hart and her team, supported by about 20 volunteers, planted around 500 young trees in the wood.
Councillor Hale said: “It was lovely to see real community volunteering in action.”
Among those volunteering was Kate Hollister who brought along her children Ellie and Oscar. Kate was wearing a badge awarded to her as a child when she planted a tree in the then newly expanding wood.
Community representative on the group of Friends of Abbotts Wood, Sue Treasure, said: “It was very sad shortly after we moved in to see the felling taking place and a once well-stocked wood became very threadbare.
“The action day has resolved that situation, and it will be lovely to watch the saplings grow from the fun and enjoyment that the volunteers had.”
A week before the planting, Sarah Wilcox, one of the main volunteer leaders, organised a litter pick to clear the area of rubbish.
She has been liaising with the council about further improvements to the woodland including some potential forest school sessions during the summer holidays, planting of bulbs for next spring, additional waste facilities, benches and bat and bird boxes.
Councillor Hale said: “Without industrious volunteers such as Sarah and others involved, community events such as the action day would never happen or certainly not be so successful.”
