PLANTING is well underway at a farm in East Cholderton as 83 trees are arranged to form the Haydown Link.
As previously reported, farmer Simon Chesshire of Haydown Farm, wanted to create an avenue of trees in memory of his late wife.
What started as an idea to visually memorialise Judy, who sadly died in 2013 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, quickly became a community project backed by numerous residents.
A small group was formed, and a fundraising campaign launched which saw them aim to raise £27,500.
READ MORE: Landowner creating living memorial in memory of wife with villagers' help
Now, in glorious March sunshine, planting has begun.
On Wednesday morning (March 23) the team was approximately halfway through planting the vast array of different species of trees from Barcham.
These will then be added to with wildflowers to create a colourful and wildlife-enticing avenue to be enjoyed by the public using any of the numerous footpaths connected by the farmland.
The name was picked to reflect this ‘linking’ as well as a nod to the golf course previously located there.
Simon, who moved to the farm in 1961 after studying at the Royal Agricultural University, said : “People have been so enthusiastic. It was going to be a personal thing, but it’s turned into a lovely community project.
“Everyone has taken such an interest, and made it sing! I am really pleased.”
Tessa Hawkings-Byas, one of the volunteers, said that the environmental benefits were at the forefront of the group’s minds, adding: “It’s so current at the moment, especially after the storms wiped out so many trees across the UK.”
It comes as a decision is yet to be made over controversial plans for a micro-brewery, also on Simon’s land.
The 82-year-old, who has five children and two step children, said it saddens him that several friends and neighbours disapprove of the proposal to team up with Breach Farm Brewing, but added that he hopes it will offer another community asset within the farm’s nearly 200 acres.
“I find it very very narrow-minded, and I am sad about it. As small farmers, we are encouraged to diversify, and I have been here so long I really feel part of the community.”
READ MORE: Neighbours' bid to stop brewery plans at an East Cholderton farm
Commenting on the avenue of trees as it comes to life, he added: “I think [Judy] would be absolutely delighted, and what is really nice is that my step children will inherit this, just as my children will do.”
For more information, or to donate to the project, visit: https://www.haydown-link.co.uk.
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