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Tree planting has of course become very topical and increasingly important and not far from us at Rufforth the City of York Council is set to create a new community woodland. Yet in many ways we have seen a reduction in the number of trees in the village as they are taken out over time due to factors like decay and age. Prompted by a resident, the Parish Council discussed what more could and should be done to get more trees planted across the village, for a better village look and of course to do our bit for the environment.

There are broadly three types of land in the village – Parish Council, City of York Council (including Highways) and privately owned land. Clearly the Parish Council can only decide to plant trees on land it owns but in looking at where trees would be beneficial we may be able to facilitate planting on CYC or private land.

With 2022 seeing celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the addition of some new trees could be a particularly new way to mark this. There could be one particular tree planted for the occasion, however this remains early days and indeed at the same meeting councillors were appointed to a Working Group to look at how the Parish Council, in conjunction with Upper Poppleton Parish Council, may best help mark the Jubilee.

Another idea suggested is that trees could be planted as tributes and memorials to people and as part of that they could potentially be sponsored, for example with family paying for the tree and maintenance in tribute to a loved one. It’s all just ideas though at this stage.

At June’s meeting, Nether Poppleton Parish Council discussed the possibility of moving the bus terminus which is outside the Lord Nelson. This followed a request from some residents, a number of whom attended the meeting and spoke, for us to look at the move. The residents fully supported the bus stop being there but sought to change the location of the terminus (i.e. the stop where the route resets and which therefore involves the longest wait).

Councillors were sympathetic with the problems of traffic and access as well as air pollution that the terminus causes but felt it was very difficult to think of a better location and there would always be issues. The terminus gives a greater chance to ‘catch’ commuters by giving a longer wait time which means it has to be in the village itself. A decision on whether or not to move the terminus is a matter for the City Council, working with the bus company, but although councillors agreed the current location was not ideal they could not think of a better one.

The residents’ request for us to discuss the issue is an excellent example of how you can influence the agenda. If there is a matter which you think the Parish Council should discuss please get in touch with our clerk, James Mackman.

Good News!

Poppleton Library re-opened on 12 April 2021.

Covid restrictions apply: –

A maximum of six people are allowed in at any one time

Mask wearing is essential

Visitors will need to sign in as a Track & Trace system will be in operation

Kind regards

Deborah Johnson

Poppleton Library Manager
Tel: 01904 552680 | email: debbie.johnson@exploreyork.org.uk

We’re back in business

It is with a profound feeling of relief that Beth and Barry fully opened the doors of The Centre on Monday, 12 April, as Government guidelines gave them the okay to go ahead.

Of course, not all our clubs and organisations will be able to resume normal service but when they can – they’ll be there for them.

If you’re a member of a group that uses the Centre contact your organiser to find out when you can return.

….the Poppleton Social is still open

Sam and Louise are planning on putting the marquee roof back up and getting those fantastic patio heaters back outside!

During the day they’ll be continuing to serve Coffee and Cake and will also have a new small food menu – trying out some new paninis, teacakes, toast etc

The bar will continue Thursday-Saturday serving pizza and craft beer from 5pm!! They’ve also opened bookings for the evening via their website poppletonsocial.co.uk. 

Our villages at this time of year are so pretty with hedgerows flowering and trees becoming green again – life is returning. In 1998 there was a government initiative to green up the countryside and Nether Poppleton Parish Council took up the call for Linear Forests to be planted along verges and highways. This was completed at a cost of over £1,300.

Grants were received and more than 50 trees were planted along the back lanes of the villages with the permission of the local landowners.  During Lockdown these backroads have become a haven of peace and tranquillity for so many as we try to get in our exercise and at least greet fellow villagers

Sadly, some of the trees that were planted have now be damaged by a chainsaw.  This has ruined the habitat for birds just as the nesting season is starting.  We are hoping with the next greening initiative to replant much of the area.  If you might be interested in helping in any way in this project, do get in touch.

If you are a York resident, elderly, disabled or unable to travel on public transport York Wheels can arrange to take you to have your Covid-19 vaccination.

They can be contacted on 01904 630080