Volunteers help to re-plant trees deliberately killed in Shrewsbury
Hundreds of trees which were deliberately killed last year have been re-planted.
Shrewsbury Town Council, together with volunteers from Shropshire Wildlife Trust, 60 pupils from Crowmoor Primary School and students from Severndale School, have replaced the damaged hedgerow at Monkmoor River Ground.
Last summer the council's countryside and greenspace team discovered that weed killer had been sprayed on almost the entire length of hedgerow, killing about 500 newly planted trees.
Matt Wilcoxon, countryside and greenspace team leader, said: “While we were devastated to see the wilful destruction last year, we have worked hard since the summer to get everyone on board to help replant this vital hedge to help our wildlife in the Monkmoor area.
“We have been delighted with the help we have received from the volunteers from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the students from Severndale School. It has also been great to see so many pupils from Crowmoor Primary School come along and help us. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and worked well together to help our local wildlife.
“In addition, we appreciate the donation of plants for our wildlife hedgerow from ReadyHedge Limited, which was a real boost for the whole team after the destruction of our hard work last year.”
After hearing about the damage, the Worcestershire company donated 40 metres of hawthorn plants.
Director and owner Simon Williamson said: “When we heard of this wanton destruction to the hedgerow at Monkmoor Fields, we had no hesitation in donating plants to help Shrewsbury Town Council replace this hedgerow. We are pleased to be able to supply plants to help restore a vandalised site.”
A local resident who was also appalled by the damage also donated £100 to help fund the project.
Helen Ball, town clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, added: “We are delighted that so many people have rallied to help us replace this hedgerow, including a very generous donation from a local resident.
“The hedgerow will provide a vital habitat for local wildlife once it has matured. It has been a real team effort and has helped to go some way to mitigate the wanton damage that someone inflicted on the hedgerow last year.”
