Bovey Tracey volunteers begin green makeover for local community centre

Volunteers have begun work to improve Heathfield Community Centre in Bovey Tracey, with plans for new planting and closer links with a local primary school.

Work started before Christmas, with volunteers clearing an area where old, rotten fencing is set to be replaced by a native hedge. 

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The hedge will be planted in partnership with nearby St Catherine’s Church of England Primary School.

Plans also include creating a raised bed at the centre, where pupils and their families will be able to grow fruit and vegetables. 

The work is being led by retired Bovey Tracey couple Jane Tarr and Nick Clough, who run the not-for-profit group Trees of Hope.

Trees of Hope was co-founded in 2018 with Kennedy Tafara Chinyere in his home village in Zimbabwe. 

Mr Chinyere moved to the UK nine years ago but continues to oversee the organisation’s work in Africa.

The group supports disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe by running a plant nursery, helping local people replace lost forestry and improve their environment.

After seeing the social and environmental benefits of the project overseas, Jane and Nick wanted to develop something similar in their local area.

A conversation with Devon County Councillor Sally Morgan led them to focus on Heathfield Community Centre as a suitable location for the project.

Jane Tarr said: “It’s just the beginning. There’s a big job to do and we want to do that with the community’s involvement.

“Nick and I know from our careers that involving schoolchildren can lead to their families coming on board, and that’s what we’d like to see happening.

“St Catherine’s is one of four Devon schools we’re working with, and we look forward to developing our relationship with them and the wider Heathfield community.”

Bovey Tracey Town Councillor Hannah Mills-Brown, one of the ward members for Heathfield, welcomed the work.

She said: “It’s wonderful that Trees of Hope has turned its attention to our community centre and we hope everyone really enjoys getting involved.”

Fellow ward councillor Lisa Robillard-Webb said improving facilities in Heathfield was a priority for the town council.

She added: “The Town Council has already said that improving facilities in Heathfield is a priority and this is a great start from an organisation we’re proud to partner with.”