A new trial focused on tree planting has raised a few eyebrows as it has taken over part of a well-known sledging area.

An area of Cornwallis Park in Tonbridge Road near Maidstone has been fenced off for the project led by Kent County Council (KCC).

The authority is working in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and The Tree Council as it looks to find ways to grow different species more successfully in urban areas.

The site has been planted since early 2024, but there has been little communication with residents about the initiative.

And now as the months roll closer to winter, residents have noted that it could affect snow-related activities.

Ed Birch posted a picture of the trees online and said: “I love trees but not sure why they’ve planted loads in the middle of a green play area?

“It’s also where all the kids go sledding.”

Laurah Riggs agreed with his thoughts: “It’s in a really stupid place. All the space MBC has, and they stick it in the middle of the field.

“It’s a park used by as you have said, kids sledding and dogs being exercised.”

Cllr Kimberley Milham has backed the project, advocating for better public awareness, including the installation of an information board to explain the project’s goals and benefits.

She said: “We are very lucky that Cornwallis was chosen to be part of the DEFRA-led and funded programme.

“There was previously a failed attempt at planting Silver Birch and Oak in this park, and the hope is that the project will be as successful as the Miyawaki project in Park Wood.

“Obviously and understandably a few users of the park are initially upset that they feel they have lost valuable space in Cornwallis Park, but once it is explained what the project is they almost always are really excited to see how the trees progress.

“At a meeting in June, I discussed with Andy Jesson (green space manager for Maidstone Borough Council) about getting a notice board so people who sees this project understand what it is and what it hopes to achieve.

“In the meantime, I have been trying to educate people whenever I see the chance arise.”

This initiative is part of the Defra-funded "Trees Outside Woodlands" program, testing the Miyawaki mini-woodland method, developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki.

Projects have been awarded £2 million to investigate the best ways to boost tree numbers outside woodlands in areas including Chichester, Cornwall, Kent, Norfolk and Shropshire.

The trial in Park Wood has shown impressive results, with tree survival rates reaching 99% over three years.

The trees grown have also seemed to be thriving better than more traditionally planted methods with saplings reaching taller heights in the same timeframe.

Compared to traditional planting methods, this technique increases survival and accelerates growth, providing quicker benefits to urban areas in terms of habitat, pollution control, and visual appeal.

The Cornwallis Park site features a variety of native species, including silver birch, oak, field maple, and alder.