Boxford’s Willow Trees

In exciting news for Boxford Residents, we’ve broken ground! In January, Reclaim the Rain, with the support of our Community Working Group (CWG), landowner Alan Keeble and J.S. Wright & Sons Cricket Bat Company, kicked off delivery by planting young willow trees at Bower House Farm, which is part of one of the significant surface water flow paths, contributing to the village’s flood risk. Due to the trees’ high-water uptake, the willows will play a vital role in reducing surface water flood risk to Boxford. Beyond flood mitigation, the trees support infiltration, prevent soil erosion, and enhance water quality.

This first phase of delivery was only made possible through collaboration. Alan Keeble shared he is "pleased to assist Reclaim the Rain in this very worthwhile project, [to support our aim] to reduce flood risk to residents of Boxford."

J.S. Wright & Sons expressed their support of the project aims to reduce surface water flooding and that "joining forces with Reclaim The Rain on our combined first cricket bat willow planting scheme has provided a great opportunity to expand our ambitions, to put more willow into the ground and keep the sustainability of our product growing year on year."

Theresa Munson made the original bid to Reclaim the Rain at the start of the project and continues to support us now. Theresa shared that "it was really exciting and encouraging on such a bright, sunny morning to see the first signs of a project coming to life. At times it felt like a long haul to get to that point, but it certainly reignited the hope and aspirations we've all had for Reclaim the Rain and what it might do for our community."

The trees are just the beginning... The team and CWG have lots more planned for the eastern flow path and are still working together to identify areas in the north of the catchment where we can make a difference, not only to water resilience, but to people and the environment too. We welcome the opportunity to address any questions or ideas you may have, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch (ReclaimtheRain@suffolk.gov.uk) or check out our website for more information www.reclaimtherain.org.”