Wiltshire tree-planting scheme includes Westbury projects

Projects in Westbury are among 35 tree and woodland planting schemes supported by Wiltshire Council during 2025/26.  

The schemes include a Westbury Town Council project to plant 55 trees and a private tree-planting project covering 3.3 hectares. 

The projects were among schemes supported by Wiltshire Council’s Woodland Grant Application and Planting Support (GAPS) team. 

Across Wiltshire, the 35 projects covered 70 hectares and included woodland, agroforestry and orchards, as well as smaller woodland sites and individual trees. More than 18 kilometres of hedgerow was also planted. 

The team worked with 25 town and parish councils and supported the development of the Western Forest Strategy. It is also developing a new Woodland Strategy for Wiltshire, which is expected to be published in early 2027. 

Planting projects were completed in a number of areas across the county, including Devizes, Marlborough, Calne, Corsham, Chippenham, Malmesbury, Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade, as well as Westbury. 

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “These projects are creating new woodland, orchards and hedgerows across Wiltshire, with support tailored to the land and opportunities available in each area. 

“The work with landowners, communities and town and parish councils is helping more planting projects move from an initial idea through to delivery. 

“We want to build on this progress, supporting further planting and developing the council’s Woodland Strategy to guide this work in the years ahead.” 

The Wiltshire Tree Warden scheme has also attracted 70 volunteers since it was relaunched in 2023. Tree wardens receive updates and online training to support their work in local communities. 

Anyone interested in helping to plant, protect and promote trees in their local areas can find out more about becoming a volunteer Tree Warden at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/trees-and-woodland-in-wiltshire.