Tree fundraiser hits target in four hours following Victoria Park vandalism

A Frome resident has raised over £400 for the replacement of two cherry trees after they were vandalised in Victoria Park recently.

Nick East launched the fundraiser on Tuesday 10th June in response to recent acts of vandalism in Victoria Park, which saw the destruction of two Kanzan cherry trees. The trees had been planted by Frome Town Council’s ranger team last autumn in partnership with Selwood Academy.

In just four hours, Nick reached his fundraising target of £364, raising £420 in total which he has donated to Frome Town Council.

The funds will go towards replacing the two cherry trees and also go cover the cost of a handkerchief tree in Victoria Park, which was also recently damaged.

“On Sunday 1st June a member of the community in Frome discovered that two young trees had been destroyed overnight in Victoria Park,” explained Nick. “Alas, they weren’t just any old trees. Pupils at Selwood Academy were involved in their planting and one of them was accompanied by a memorial plaque.

“Publicised on social media, this incident understandably stirred up the usual mixture of anger, bafflement and dismay, with exasperated residents drawing attention to other incidents locally that fit a narrative of general social decline.

“Fortunately, it’s well within our means to create another more positive narrative with a much happier ending. And we have: in less than four hours, we raised £420!”

Following Nick’s gesture, a UK-wide company, Barcham Trees, which specialises in growing and supplying mature trees also offered a significant discount for the replacement trees.

Cllr Mark Dorrington said, “Huge thanks to Nick for his kind gesture and all the kind gestures it led to. It’s been a fantastic display of community spirit, in the face of a pretty depressing event. Thank you to all who helped to make it happen.”

Frome Town Council would also like to thank Alistair of Trug and Lettuce for his help and advice.

Find out more about Frome’s parks and open spaces at https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/parks-and-green-spaces.