We are the Tree and Wildlife Group, South Petherton.
We are creating wildlife-friendly spaces and improving the environment in the parish of South Petherton.
Trees and wildlife group south petherton
What we do…
We plant trees in our parish.
We make meadows.
We create and restore hedges.
We do litter-picking days.
We hold wildlife awareness-raising events.
We engage young people with nature.
We grow trees to plant more trees.
TWiG is…
a working group within the parish of South Petherton.
We are a growing, informal and friendly group of local like-minded volunteers who are keen to engage with the local environment and improve biodiversity within our community.
Join TWiG at our next…
tree planting morning
hour of practical hedge upkeep
morning litter-picking
scything and ground preparation session
welcoming, informal meeting
TWiG social
Thank you for taking part in the TWiG ENVIRONMENT SURVEY. The survey is now closed. We are working hard to analyse the responses and we will be publishing the results as soon as they are ready. Thanks again for sharing your views.
Upcoming TWiG Events 2026
‘The Tree Trails of South Petherton Parish’
Hi all,We are very excited to invite you to the launch of the long awaited South Petherton Parish Tree Trails Guidebook in the Library on October 24th 10am-12 noon
This will be accompanied a beautiful handstitched fabric book in celebration of trees designed and made by The Parish Stitchers.
There will also be a small exhibition containing information on trees in the parish with Tree Preservation Orders, and some photos of the Lost Trees of South Petherton courtesy of Chris Male of Bygone South Petherton. South Petherton Photography Group have kindly contributed some beautiful pictures of trees and there will also be creative contributions from students at the Infant and Junior Schools.
Members of South Petherton Tree and Wildlife Group (TWiG) have been working on the Tree Trails Guidebook book for over a year and have walked the parish footpaths looking for the notable trees in need of recognition and celebration. This book contains 6 walks created as a result of their search and takes walkers past many beautiful and inspiring parish trees . The Parish Stitchers have also been working for the past year on their new piece of embroidery work to celebrate trees, they are very proud to present their work to the parish in praise of the precious and beautiful trees around us.
During the launch morning there will be guided walks around the village to highlight some of the trees featured in the book. Please bring along family and friends to celebrate our wonderful parish trees and feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might be interested. TWiG and The Parish Stitchers would like to thank Mark Freeman and the Library team for their support in setting up the exhibition. Books will be available to buy on the day.
Aidan Meighan is a Somerset Author, illustrator, gardener and backyard conservationist with a passion for nature and storytelling. For 15 years Aidan has been obsessively drawing trees, maps and beautiful places around the world. This, his first book, is a joyful coming together of Aiden’s passions and interests.
Refreshments in the library from 7pm, prior to talk at 7.30pm. Restricted numbers – book now!
Tickets £5 in advance from www.southpethertonlibrary.co.uk or from the library. £6 on the door.
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People’s Emergency Briefing
www.nebriefing.org
Wednesday 28th October 7pm St Peter and St Paul Church, South Petherton
A new public information film about the climate and nature crisis – and what we can do about it.
Join us to watch the film and discuss what we can so about the climate and nature crisis, personally, locally, and with local and national government.
Everyone 16 and over is very welcome
Book free tickets tickets at … https://www.tickettailor.com/events/southppethertonpeb/2423822
Our mission is to increase biodiversity and reduce the effects of climate change in our local area, the parish of South Petherton (Somerset, UK).
TWiG is now officially an Unincorporated Association!
This just means an organisation set up through agreement between a group of people who come together for a reason other than to make a profit eg a voluntary group.
At a member meeting on the 29th Jan 2026, the Constitution of TWiG was written and ratified by all present. The ‘Terms of Reference’ provide further detail.
Terms of reference for South Petherton Tree and Wildlife Group (TWiG)
Objective:
In South Petherton Parish:
Increase biodiversity, identify any land usage contributing to climate change and seek to reduce the effects of climate change
Terms of Reference:
The South Petherton Tree and Wildlife Group will engage with the appropriate responsible agencies, professionals and volunteers to develop a comprehensive action plan to increase biodiversity, identify land usage contributing to climate change and reduce the effects of climate change, including flooding, on land in South Petherton Parish. This policy will include the following key elements:
To assess the biodiversity across the parish
To improve biodiversity across the parish
To engage and support the community in projects that will increase wildlife habitats in the parish
To assess the impact of the use of land in the parish with regard to climate change
Investigate and develop uses of land in the parish that will reduce the effects of climate change
Responsibilities and activities
Conduct professional surveys of flora and fauna on areas of land in the Parish with landowners’ permission
Identify how land use in the Parish is contributing to climate change
To act as an informed body on the issue of climate change and biodiversity for the Parish
Review the Parish Tree Policy put in place in 2019 and advise the Parish Council as to appropriate actions
Provide guidance and information to residents on wildlife friendly gardening in the Parish
Provide guidance and information on low carbon impact gardening in the Parish
Review the grass cutting regime across the Parish to ensure wildlife habitats are protected and promoted
Identify and appoint wildlife and tree guardians
Identify areas in the Parish where wildlife habitats can be created
Develop areas of land in the Parish to create wildlife habitats
Develop strategies for long term wildlife habitat creation
Establish links with other similar local groups across the county and nationally to ensure best practice
Develop and support a group of local volunteers to assist with overall objectives
Liaise with residents, private landowners, local businesses, South Petherton Parish Council and Somerset Council with regard to improving biodiversity and reducing the effects of climate change in the Parish
Support South Petherton Parish Council in working towards a biodiversity action plan in accordance with section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Organise biodiversity and climate change awareness events and other educational events in schools and with community groups in the Parish
Meetings and reporting
Progress updates and key findings to be documented and shared with stakeholders
Resources and funding
Apply for grants from external sources
Raise funds from local events
Donations from local residents
Review and amendments
Terms of reference and constitution to be reviewed annually and updated as necessary
Adjustments to be made in response to evolving biodiversity and climate change issues
Governance and implementation
Regular reviews and updates will be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of strategies towards achieving its objectives
Community engagements and awareness initiatives will be promoted to improve knowledge on aspects that can be implemented to assist with biodiversity and climate change
This document serves as a guiding framework for the South Petherton Tree and Wildlife Group in fulfilling its commitment to increasing biodiversity and reducing the impact of climate change across land in South Petherton Parish.
Emma Brooks James Brooks Rob Cotterill Trish Harper Kath Jones Trevor Jones Rosie Prins January 2026
Want to do something positive and practical?
Contact us by email for details if you would like to join us at any of our events
