Over 100 trees were planted including native species such as oak, hornbeam, rowan and hazel. Over time, the trees will form an attractive and contrasting backdrop to the more formal memorial garden, and screen the garden from the road. Additional trees were planted to strengthen the vegetation barrier along the railway line.
Planting new trees is just one part of recent landscaping enhancements at Castle Park which include:
• Planting a yew hedge around the edge of the war memorial to create a more formal and reflective space;
• Creating a new open space where the tennis courts were previously located to give events such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday greater public capacity within the park;
• Coppicing and pollarding trees along the River Stort to increase the amount of light reaching the water.
Chris Wilson, Executive Member for Resident Engagement at East Herts Council said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people of all ages coming along to help out. A massive thank you to the Friends of Castle Park for arranging the event and making this into a real community effort.”
Mione Goldspink, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at East Herts Council, said: “Not only do trees enhance our parks and open spaces, they improve air quality and provide natural wildlife habitats. The trees which have been planted today will grace Castle Park for years to come.”
Further landscaping improvements will be made to Castle Park in spring/summer 2024, including:
• The conversion of land south of the new park café into a community garden for local groups to use and enjoy;
• Wildflower planting around the castle mound to create a wildlife rich setting;
• The construction of woody in-channel structures to create a variety of habitats along the River Stort.
