2,000 saplings planted by Going Green Newtown

More than 2,000 saplings have been planted by Open Newtown in Vaynor Fields.

Stuart Owen of Open Newtown, which is also known as the Going Green for a Living Land Trust, has told town councillors that the saplings have been planted in the area as part of its work.

Mr Owen said they had also been working with NPTC Newtown College's farm agricultural department students and with the local Community Pay Back Scheme (Probation Service) to help in creating biodiversity areas.

Mr Owen was updating councillors on recent work undertaken by Open Newtown which involves partners such as Newtown Town Council. It followed the transfer of nearly 150 acres of land from Powys County Council as part of making more areas of Newtown accessible for the public and to create new green habitats.

Other projects have included creating four new river access points within the town centre area. This includes making it easier for wheelchair access as well as for canoeists and others.

A new facility is also planned at the Mountain Bike and BMX Trail and Pump Park on Trehafren Hill. Mr Owen said the facility could include a place for bike repairs, hire and coaching opportunities.

Photo: Saplings being planted (photo courtesy of Open Newtown)