Somerset residents, farmers, landowners and community groups considering tree planting are being invited to seek support from Reimagining the Levels. The Community Benefit Society said it can help with projects involving trees, shrubs, woodland, hedgerow, shelterbelt or screening during the 2026/27 planting season.

The group has supported the planting of around 135,000 trees over the past six years. It works in partnership with Somerset Rivers Authority through the Trees for Water natural flood management scheme.

A spokesperson said: "We also have funds that can support individual landowners, farmers and community groups who wish to plant and enhance their land. We may be able to support you with planning, selection of site and plants, supply you with strong healthy plants and protections and if applicable help you with a grant application."

Reimagining the Levels said it tries to make the process "easy and enjoyable" for anyone looking to improve land through planting. The group is asking to hear from people across Somerset who may be planning projects for the coming season.

The organisation said increasing tree cover could help with carbon capture, pollution, soil erosion, flooding, wildlife habitat and biodiversity. It also said planting can provide shade and food, as well as benefits for human health.

The spokesperson said: "The county of Somerset has the lowest tree cover in the UK and the evidence of nature depletion is all around. Increasing tree cover will improve immeasurably the environment and human health."

The group said it welcomes enquiries from all parts of Somerset, although it does not usually plant on the Levels. It said this is because the Levels are a natural flood plain, absorbing and cleaning excess water as well as holding reserves of peat.

Reimagining the Levels said it can help people think through suitable sites and plant choices before work begins. It can also provide plants and protection where appropriate, and support grant applications where funding may be available.

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Anyone interested can find more information through the Reimagining the Levels website or email Kate Towers at [email protected].

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