Haydon Wick Parish Council has approved plans to work in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) to apply for external funding that could see up to 45 new trees planted across the parish, alongside native hedgerows and habitat improvements to support Great Crested Newts and other local wildlife.
The proposed project aims to improve habitat connectivity between key green spaces in Haydon Wick, helping wildlife move more easily between breeding and feeding areas while enhancing biodiversity, increasing tree canopy cover and improving public open spaces for residents to enjoy.
If funding is successfully secured through the Great Western Community Forest programme, the scheme would deliver tree planting and habitat improvements across four locations within the parish, including Henchard Open Space, land near Orchid Care Home, The Chestnuts and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will provide ecological expertise and technical leadership throughout the funding application and project development process, working closely with Haydon Wick Parish Council to identify opportunities to strengthen habitats and enhance the local environment.
The Council has also expressed its commitment to involving the community in the project, building on the success of previous volunteer planting initiatives. Local schools, residents, youth groups and community organisations could all have opportunities to participate should the funding bid be successful.
Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, said:
“Despite living in an urban area, we are fortunate to have some wonderful green spaces on our doorstep. Protecting and improving them is important for our community.
“Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust offers an opportunity to secure investment, improve local habitats and involve residents and schools in creating lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.”
Councillor Leanne Stevenson said:
“Our green spaces support important wildlife, including Great Crested Newts, but we need to strengthen the habitats connecting them.
“Planting up to 45 new trees and native hedgerows will help create better wildlife corridors, increase tree cover and improve our open spaces.
“This is about protecting our natural environment while ensuring children and families can continue to enjoy these wonderful green spaces for generations to come.”
Should the funding application be successful, planting would be expected to take place during the 2026/27 winter planting season, with ongoing maintenance supported through the project funding and the Council’s Parks & Open Spaces Team.