WORK to plant more than 600 trees as part of Salisbury River Park project has started.

The first of the new trees have been planted along Coldharbour Lane, near Fisherton Recreation Ground.

Nine hornbeam trees have initially been planted to replace the ash trees that were recently removed due to ash dieback disease.

Ron Curtis, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at The Environment Agency said: “We are extremely pleased to see the first replacement trees planted as part of the Salisbury River Park project, and this represents a key milestone in the works. We are looking forward to starting our main works next month, which will lead to a rapid transformation of this area.”

What's next 

Over the next 18 months, as construction continues, a variety of native tree species will be planted, including maple, birch, cherry, Aspen and willow - some of which will be larger semi-mature trees.

Alongside this additional planting will take place within the park area, including large areas of wildflower meadows.

Within Ashley Road Open Space for example, a new line of cherry trees will be planted along the river together with new weeping willows, and a line of tulip trees will be planted alongside the road.

Around 100 trees have had to be removed to enable the main scheme works to start next month.

This is the earliest the works could start due to ecological restrictions on the timing of any works within the river channels.

Improving natural landscape 

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for transport, waste, street scene and flooding, added: “One of our key priorities is taking responsibility for our environment and to ensure it is well used, cherished, protected, conserved, and enhanced. The Salisbury River Park project ticks all these boxes and we are delighted we are at the stage to see the first new trees planted.

“Once all the new trees are in place Salisbury will have a wonderfully rich and diverse natural landscape benefitting residents, ecology and wildlife well into the future.”

In collaboration with the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Salisbury River Park project will ultimately reduce flood risk to more than 350 homes and businesses in Salisbury, provide ecological, amenity, walking and cycling benefits, as well as significantly improve biodiversity.

Annie Child, City Clerk of Salisbury City Council, said: “The tree planting phase of the River Park project is a significant step on the road to improving Salisbury for its residents and visitors. The selection of native trees and wildflower planting is perfect for the area and will provide a welcome home for our wildlife. It’s sure to make a beautiful landscape for all to enjoy.”

Play area 

The play area at Ashley Road, Salisbury has also been removed to allow a water main to be diverted as part of the Salisbury River Park project.

A temporary play area will be created at Ashley Road.

For more information about the river park project visit: salisburyriverparkphase1.com

 

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.