Humber Forest has planted a record number of trees in the last twelve months, with 238,000 trees planted across Hull, East Yorkshire, and Northern Lincolnshire.
Since the project began, three years ago, 400,000 trees have been planted across the region.
Humber Forest, supported by Defra, is the community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, one of 15 community forests across England and part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the accountable body for the Humber Forest.
The project provides grants to cover up to 100 per cent funding for planting as well as at least five years maintenance for farmers, landowners, businesses, and communities to plant hedgerows or trees on their land.
These trees can play a vital role in reducing soil erosion and flooding, improving air quality, creating habitats for wildlife, and improving community spaces.
In Winterton, Humber Forest supported the Winterton 2022 with 80 fruit trees for a community orchard and 450 woodland trees and a hedgerow to create an area that will benefit the local community and wildlife.
Most trees are planted by Humber Forest delivery partners with the support of volunteers, including local residents.
In Winterton, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) assisted by volunteers from the local community and pupils from The Winterton Federation School and Winterton Academy helped to plant the trees.
Kerri Prowting, Winterton 2022 co-ordinator, said: “Working with Humber Forest, North Lincolnshire Council and The Conservation Volunteers has allowed us to really kickstart the community orchard, which would have taken us a much longer time.”
An Alkborough farmer approached Humber Forest to see if hedgerows could be planted to help wildlife recovery and improve the local environment.
Planting took place over eight days across four sites. A total length of 2,006m of hedgerow was planted, consisting of 10,030 saplings and 122 standard trees.
Beyond the benefits they bring to wildlife, the hedgerows will play an important role on the farmland, ensuring soils remain healthy, reducing the impact of drought and flooding.
Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for Environment, said: “I fully support this initiative and am pleased North Lincolnshire Council is playing a full part in the establishment of the Humber Forest.
“None of this would have been possible without the many farmers and landowners who have backed the Humber Forest and put their land forward for habitat creation and diversification, and we owe them a debt of thanks for that.
“We all want to see more trees and hedgerows, it doesn’t just benefit wildlife but our whole community, while reaffirming our commitment to making North Lincolnshire a greener, more sustainable environment for future generations.”
The Humber Forest team can fund large and small projects and are eager to hear from any landowners who are interested in planting trees or hedgerow on their land. They can be contacted at humber.forest@eastriding.gov.uk or visit www.humberforest.org
Tree and hedgerow planting in the Humber Forest is supported with funding from the Trees for Climate and Northern Forest Grow Back Greener funds, which are part of the Defra Nature for Climate Fund and provide landowners with grants to cover up to 100 per cent of all woodland creation project costs.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/gpointstudio Planning application submitted in Boston for new Public Realm Area
The regeneration of a public realm area in Boston is a step closer with the submission of a planning application. This marks the first phase of the Rosegarth Square regeneration project, which was awarded £14.8 million in government funding.
The secured funding has allowed Boston Borough Council to look at revitalising, re-purposing and providing a new multi-functional public realm space with the aim of bettering lives and giving people pride in their communities. The area will be regenerated to become a gateway to the heart of Boston.
The planning submission follows a public consultation earlier this year. A total of 345 residents participated in the consultation, alongside over 50 local businesses and stakeholders who attended in-person sessions. On social media, the consultation reached 30,808 followers, generating 2,730 engagements and 3,585 website clicks for more information.
The feedback gathered during the consultation has played a key role in shaping the final designs, with the majority of feedback being that people want to see something that isn’t already present elsewhere in the town, things that can be used by all ages and abilities, vandal proof materials, interactive games, anything that encourages wellbeing of mind, other outdoor equipment, good signage and facilities that encourage healthy outdoor activities, walking etc, and natural exercise ideas.
The planning application will now be assessed by planning officers and if approved the area will soon begin to be redeveloped for everyone to enjoy. This will include the relocation of the town’s iconic buoys to maintain the Heritage Trail’s prominence, a new sensory garden which can also be used as a quiet space for contemplation and reflection and new amphitheatre-style seating area.
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “The submission of the planning application is a major milestone in transforming this run-down part of town into an exciting new space for everyone.
“The aim of this first phase of the project is to enhance connectivity within the town centre. We aim to create a new high quality public realm which will improve the experience for residents, businesses and visitors to this part of Boston, and encourage further inward investment opportunities.”
Image Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony VE Day celebrations revealed at the International Bomber Command Centre
On Thursday 8 May 2025 the nation will come together to remember the millions that paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting and securing the freedom we all enjoy today.
From early morning when the sun rises to evening as night descends, church bells will ring out, special flags will be flown, town criers will proclaim the victory, the haunting sound of bagpipes will fill the air and, in a final gesture of homage, beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit to signify the light that emerged from the darkness of war.
The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), near Lincoln, will be joining thousands of others wanting to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who took part in WWII, not only from our country, but other countries that fought side by side with us during the dreadful dark days of war.
Nicky van der Drift OBE, chief executive of the IBCC, says to be able to play even a small part in paying tribute is humbling and a great honour.
She says: “Since 2015, the IBCC has marked important national anniversaries with a beacon lighting, and the VE Day 80th is no exception. It gives us the opportunity not only to mark this key date in our history but also to focus on the sacrifice of the 57,861 men and women who lost their lives serving and supporting Bomber Command in World War 2.
“We have a debt of gratitude to all those who served in our armed forces fighting to protect our freedoms.”
Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR Pageantmaster of VE DAY 80 said: “In order to celebrate the eighty years of peace and freedom given to us by the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of so many during WWII as a whole, hundreds of town criers will undertake the VE Day Proclamation at 8am.
“Flags will be raised, Church Bells will be rung, and over one thousand Beacons and several hundred Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit at 9.30pm across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories on May 8, 2025, with the flames from the Beacons and Lamps representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war, and once lit for this occasion, the lamps can be re-lit again at 11am on Remembrance Sunday for many years to come in tribute to the many millions that sacrificed their lives during WWII.”
Gaining a global focus on Rutland Hall Hotel and the county of Rutland
Rutland Hall Hotel has announced its enhanced partnership, to full membership status, with Classic British Hotels, a curated collection of independent hotels. This collaboration will assist Rutland Hall in showcasing its unique resort and the county itself to an audience of discerning travellers worldwide.
Jo White, Revenue Manager, Rutland Hall, said: “Becoming a full member of Classic British Hotels is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled guest experience. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Classic British Hotels to introduce Rutland Hall to a wider spectrum of travellers seeking luxury and refinement.”
As a member of Classic British Hotels, Rutland Hall stands to benefit from the collective’s global market reach and expertise in strategic group initiatives. Guests can anticipate a range of exclusive offers, bespoke packages, and enticing promotions aimed at elevating their stay and crafting unforgettable memories.
“The integration of Rutland Hall into our collection of hotels is a momentous occasion,” remarked Phillip Allsopp, Managing Director of Classic British Hotels. “Rutland Hall’s exquisite location, refined accommodations, and unwavering commitment to excellence seamlessly align with our mission to showcase the finest British hospitality to the world.”
Rutland Hall Hotel sits on the edge of Rutland Water between the village of Whitwell and Oakham town. The lakeside retreat boasts 70 acres of parkland grounds and offers a variety of accommodation options. Choose from luxurious rooms in the 19th-century country house hotel or stylish apartments with private balconies overlooking Rutland Water. Guests can enjoy delicious dining at Blossoms restaurant and bar.
In addition, the resort is about to launch a unique wellbeing experience called Four Roots. Guests will be able to indulge in a four-hour, curated journey including bathing, treatments, relaxation and dining at Four Roots Wellbeing. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rutland Hall is great for activities like crazy golf, pitch and putt, and exploring the nearby Rutland Water attractions, museums, and wildlife reserves.
In addition to its exceptional facilities, Rutland Hall is an ideal venue for conferences and corporate events. With flexible meeting spaces accommodating groups from 6 to 450 delegates, the hotel offers a peaceful and productive environment for business gatherings.
Multi-million redevelopment works progressing well for Sutton on Sea Colonnade
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site.
Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space.
Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets.
Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways.
Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature.
Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway.
The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council.
The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline.
“Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.”
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings.
“When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.”
Work starts on site to build two new Lincolnshire primary schools
Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started on sites in Waltham and Scartho, to build two new primary schools that will open in September 2025.
The primary schools, which are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).
The projects, based on Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received planning approval at the start of the year.
Hobson & Porter is on-site this week preparing the ground for the initial phase of the works.
Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “We have a long and successful track record in the education sector, across both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, but it’s still always an exciting moment to start work on new-build school projects, which will inevitably become valuable assets within their respective communities.”
Speaking shortly after Hobson & Porter were announced as the winning contractors, Council Leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.
“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”
The Trust has held events in both villages to showcase its plans for Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy. These events were aimed at parents of children who may wish to attend the schools once they open in September 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: “We’re pleased to see contractors on site and the project progressing. We’re excited about opening the two academies and look forward to meeting prospective parents and carers at the meetings in Scartho and Waltham.
“They’ll be able to choose either school when the local authority opens its admissions process later this Autumn.”
Stephanie Ledgerwood, from Equans, whose Architectural Team designed both schools and will act as contract administrator throughout the construction, added: “Work starting on site is an exciting step forward for the project and we are looking forward to seeing the designs come to life as works unfold.
“The benefits these schools will have on our community are endless and we are so glad to be a part of it.”
Both schools will have 210-pupil places, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities. The project is being delivered by Equans, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council. Residents in the surrounding area have been sent a leaflet informing them about the works.
The two academies will open in September 2025, with admission details for parents being released this Autumn.
Image shows Scartho school site. Photo credit: Jon Corken
Ruckland Court Care Home raises over £400 at Summer Fair with local community support
Ruckland Court Care Home in Lincoln recently hosted a successful Summer Fair raising over £400 for the residents’ comfort fund. The event, which took place in the home’s beautifully refurbished garden and Coffee Club Café, brought together residents, families, friends, and the wider local community.
Local businesses generously contributed to the event, with stalls showcasing a variety of products, and prizes for the raffle and tombola donated by local businesses and the wider community. The funds raised will go toward supporting future trips and activities for the residents, helping to enrich their daily lives.
Adam Atkin, Home Manager at Ruckland Court, said: “I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success. From our dedicated staff and enthusiastic residents to their supportive families, and of course, all those who kindly donated prizes.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see the local community come together like this, and we’re so grateful for the ongoing support.”
The families who attended shared their positive experiences: “Well done to everyone involved – we thoroughly enjoyed the day!” said one family member, while another added “Thank you for all your hard work, it was fantastic.”
Ruckland Court Care Home extends an open invitation to the community to join their weekly Community Coffee Mornings, held every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm in their newly revamped Coffee Club Café to enjoy a cup of tea, a slice of cake, and a friendly chat.
For more information about Ruckland Court Care Home or to make an appointment to view the home please contact, Adam Atkin Home Manager on 01522 530 217 or email adam.atkin@countrycourtcare.com.
Grand reveal of luxury refurbishment at The Grove Care Home’s open day
The Grove Care Home in Waltham recently opened its doors to the community to celebrate the unveiling of its newly refurbished and expanded facilities.
Specialising in residential, dementia, and respite care, The Grove welcomed over 40 guests to the event, where they were invited to tour the updated facilities, meet the warm and welcoming staff, enjoy live entertainment, and a delightful afternoon tea.
Special guests included Deputy Mayor Cllr Janet Goodwin and Deputy Consort Mr Barry Goodwin, who participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting alongside Country Court Chairman Abdul Kachra and resident Josephine Austin.
Together, they officially opened the new spaces and expressed their best wishes for the home’s future. They also looked forward to attending future events at the care home, such as the summer and Christmas fairs.
“The Grove Care Home has proudly cared for up to 52 residents, and with our recent expansion, we can now accommodate up to 71,” said Operations Manager Lianne Webb.
“Our refurbishment has introduced new and improved day spaces, such as our Elegance Hair Salon, The Coffee Club Café, 19 additional en-suite bedrooms, and refreshed lounge and dining areas. These enhancements have been a great benefit to both our residents and their families.”
Client Services Manager Rebecca Dayton commented on the event, saying: “Our talented Chef Manager, Hayley Barber, and the kitchen staff created a fantastic spread of food, including fish and chip-themed cupcakes that beautifully reflected the local culture.”
Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells added: “We are committed to providing person-centred care and creating a family-first approach. I want to personally thank our incredible staff, whose dedication and hard work continue to make a difference every day.”
Operations Manager Lianne Webb concluded by saying: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our Open Day and made this event so special for all of us at The Grove. Your kind words throughout the day have been deeply appreciated by our entire team.”
To arrange a tour of The Grove Care Home, please get in touch on 01472 821127 or email ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com
“The Grove Care Home has proudly cared for up to 52 residents, and with our recent expansion, we can now accommodate up to 71,” said Operations Manager Lianne Webb.
“Our refurbishment has introduced new and improved day spaces, such as our Elegance Hair Salon, The Coffee Club Café, 19 additional en-suite bedrooms, and refreshed lounge and dining areas. These enhancements have been a great benefit to both our residents and their families.”
Client Services Manager Rebecca Dayton commented on the event, saying: “Our talented Chef Manager, Hayley Barber, and the kitchen staff created a fantastic spread of food, including fish and chip-themed cupcakes that beautifully reflected the local culture.”
Customer Relations Manager Ros Wells added: “We are committed to providing person-centred care and creating a family-first approach. I want to personally thank our incredible staff, whose dedication and hard work continue to make a difference every day.”
Operations Manager Lianne Webb concluded by saying: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our Open Day and made this event so special for all of us at The Grove. Your kind words throughout the day have been deeply appreciated by our entire team.”
To arrange a tour of The Grove Care Home, please get in touch on 01472 821127 or email ros.wells@countrycourtcare.com Contractors sought for next phase of historic Scunthorpe Church’s transformation
Bids are being sought for civil and landscaping engineering contractors to carry out the next phase in the restoration of St John’s Church in Scunthorpe.
A tender will be launched for works which will improve visitor access, while creating an inviting outdoor space for hands on exhibitions – connecting the building to Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
The works will enable the hoardings surrounding 20-21 to come down and bring the building back into full use, revealing the full extent of the restoration work to the Grade II* listed former church.
Discover@20-21, the new town centre attraction packed full of free family-friendly activities, is expected to open in Spring 2025.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s great to see work progressing at pace on Discover@20-21, our new and completely free regional attraction for families, which will inspire and entertain our young people with hands on experiences.
“This next phase of the project is where residents will really start to see the difference to the outside of this important building, and creating new outside space will bring a new dimension to exhibitions.”
Works to restore St John’s Church are nearing completion, with specialist contractors UK Restoration Services concluding their programme of extensive repairs, which included the rebuilding of the roofs and tower pinnacles, cleaning, repairing and repointing the original stonework, plus installing a new building management system.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe), said: “We’ve stepped in to ensure one of Scunthorpe’s most visible and historic buildings – a place many residents have fond memories of – is protected for years to come.
“We are going further by bringing new experiences to the town. Plans for Discover@20-21 look absolutely brilliant and seeing them has made me even more excited to see the activities in this free family attraction take shape.”
Image credit: Google maps
Town centre transport transformation on the way for Grimsby
Two transport-based projects that will change the way we move around Grimsby Town Centre have been given the green light at a Cabinet meeting.
The schemes will redesign car parking at the Council’s Abbey Walk and Burgess Street car parks and kickstart a project to provide a town centre transport hub for public transport.
The Abbey Walk car park was built in 1969 by Holst & Company of Scunthorpe at a cost of approximately £200,000.
Whilst a key asset for the town centre, the car park was closed in May this year, after structural defects were found. This was water ingress into key structural supports, making the car park potentially unsafe to use.
It has now been approved to proceed with plans to demolish the car park, and replace it with a 120-space surface car park, but with the capability in the foundations of being built on in future years if needed. Burgess Street Car Park will also be improved to provide additional car parking capacity within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre.
The next stage will be to work up detailed design and costings before submitting any traffic regulation orders or planning permissions that may be required for the two schemes.
Funding will initially be sought from the Council’s capital programme, with other funding sources being explored to reduce the impact on the council resources.
Also approved was the outline plan to create a Transport Hub on a 1.6acre site off Osborne Street in the town centre.
The hub would sit behind current vacant units on Osborne Street which the council owns. This stretch of buildings is due to be demolished in the coming months. The Hub would also include the use of the car park at Garden Street.
Now the plans have been approved in outline, the next stage is to consult with people and businesses and carry out preliminary site surveys before finalising the design, and submitting a planning application for the site.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for Transport, said: “These are two much-needed schemes for our town centre. We have wanted to improve the transport offer for Grimsby Town centre for some time.
“These schemes will help us connect people with the town centre, drive use of the town centre and is a good fit alongside the money being spent on improving the town centre too.
“The residents of North East Lincolnshire deserve a fit for purpose transportation hub that allows quick easy access to public transport services in a central location near to rail, retail and town centre amenities, and that’s what we want to give them.”
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
