MORE than 85 trees have been planted across Saltash as part of a community-led project aimed at creating greener, healthier neighbourhoods for residents and wildlife.

Tree Saltash, led by Saltash Environmental Action (SEA) and Saltash Town Council’s appointed Tree Wardens, has completed four phases of planting since it launched in November 2022.

The initiative highlights the importance of urban trees, which provide shelter from the weather, food and homes for wildlife, reduce air pollution, protect against flooding and improve the appearance of the town.

The first phase began with the formal launch of Tree Saltash on November 30, 2022, when former Mayor Cllr Richard Bickford joined children from Brunel Primary and Nursery Academy to plant a crab apple tree outside Saltash Town Council Library Hub.

Five further plantings followed, including the project’s first major planting, jointly funded by Forest for Cornwall and the Woodland Trust. Saltash Town Council provided equipment to support the work.

Phase two began in November 2023 to coincide with National Tree Week. Children from local primary schools joined Cllr Bickford to plant an oak tree at Longstone Park.

The tree became known as the ‘Coronation Oak’ to mark the King’s Coronation. Further planting took place between December 2023 and March 2024, including a planting day on December 5.

Phase three began in January 2025, when Tree Saltash worked with Saltash Town Council and Cornwall Council to plant another King’s Coronation Oak in Victoria Gardens, gifted by the King.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and former Saltash Mayor Cllr Julia Peggs both took part in planting the tree.

The latest phase began in March 2026, with a silver birch planted after the walk to England. Former Mayor Cllr Rachel Bullock and current Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel joined Saltash Town and Cornwall councillors in planting the tree.

Three flowering cherry trees were also planted at Fearnside Way, while replacement trees were planted in Elwell Woods after others were lost during storms.

Tree Wardens prioritise native species because of their value to wildlife, although sweet gum and honey locust trees were introduced during the first phase to provide variety and colour.

The project is volunteer-led, although it has received donations and funding. Residents can also ‘adopt a tree’ to help ensure newly planted trees are cared for over time.

Cllr Stoyel said: “The planting of more than 85 trees across our town is helping to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods for residents and wildlife alike.”

Adrian White, a Tree Warden, said local residents had welcomed the project and praised support from Saltash Town Council, Cormac and Forest for Cornwall.

He said: “Our fifth project, which we are planning for November, is the biggest yet, so we will be giving more people than ever the chance to join us in this way of enriching our community.”

The council said it would continue working with SEA and the Tree Wardens on future planting, providing support and helping prevent delays.

More information about Tree Saltash is available through Saltash Environmental Action’s webpage.