New Oak Tree Avenue Established

Despite a bitterly cold day, members of the Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust and staff from Waitrose and Elmbridge borough Council got to work and completed the planting of 22 oak trees on the Leg O'Mutton Field on Saturday 23rd Feb 2013. The 22 trees have been planted either side of the track that crosses the Leg O'Mutton field from Downside Bridge Road to form an avenue of oak trees which will be of benefit to current and future generations.

The trees were donated to the community by Waitrose to commemorate 75 years of being part of the John Lewis Partnership. A fund equivalent to £7.50 per Waitrose Partner (member of staff) has been made available to every branch across the country to help them celebrate the 75th anniversary. Every Waitrose shop is putting all or part of this fund towards a tree planting project in their local community. Rob Leete, personnel manager at the Cobham supermarket, said "It was a fantastic day for the community of Cobham and it is a credit to everyone involved that the project was completed so efficiently even when the weather turned colder than predicted".

Sir Gerry Acher, chairman of the Cobham Conservation & Heritage Trust said the organisation is now considering putting together a five year plan to bring more tree planting to the area.

Ian Gayton, the green spaces manager from Elmbridge Borough Council said he was delighted with the turnout of volunteers despite the cold weather and was pleased that the three organisations were able to work together to make a valuable contribution to improving the landscape and environment.