New trees are being planted in Collett Park this week, Shepton Mallet Town Council has announced.

Thirty-three new trees are being planted thanks to a grant from the Forestry Commission.

Nine different species including Sweet Chestnuts, Acers, Hornbeams and a Walnut are being planted.

Angela Morley who has supported us on the project commented: "The new trees for Collett Park have been chosen because they are long-lived natives, therefore linking with the wider landscape. The new trees will ensure an interesting park in 100 years' time especially bearing in mind the ash dieback which will affect a great proportion of the existing trees in the park."

"Long-lived trees, unlike cherry and birch, should grow to old specimens which will provide shade and seasonal interest to park users, they will complement the already fantastic treescape of Shepton Mallet as well as support a huge range of biodiversity such as birds, bats and insects. In the long term, some of the trees will produce nuts and fruit, look out for crab apple flowers and fruit, walnuts and chestnuts."

"The trees will be spaced widely, in groups, this means that the park rangers can leave areas of long grass for wildflowers beneath the trees; creating mown paths and glades adds interest for park users and further benefits bees, butterflies and the myriad of 'invisible-to-the-eye' wildlife. Areas of long grass also cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and reduce maintenance and are recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)."