Words and pics by Lorraine Gibson.

‘How great would it be to take shade with your family or friends in your local park under a tree you remember planting as a child?’
The words of The Parks Foundation Nature Recovery Project manager, Stephen Concar.
The charity needs people to help them with a local tree-planting scheme that aims not just to boost nature in communities but to enable people to enjoy it more.

This winter, the Foundation, working with BCP Council, will be planting 170 mature trees – including fruit trees – and some 4,000 hedging whips and are asking for individuals, local clubs, groups and organisations to volunteer with the planting which is taking place in 11 Nature Recovery Project parks across Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole.
Stephen said: “This planting has a focus on flowering and fruiting trees, which are great for pollinators and other wildlife. They also give park visitors the opportunity to explore new activities such as urban foraging.
“We hope these trees will continue to benefit wildlife and people for decades.”
Parks receiving the trees are Alexandra Park, Branksome Recreation Ground, Haskells Recreation Ground, Jumpers Common, Kinson Manor Playing Fields, Muscliff Park, Pelhams Park, Slades Farm, Strouden Park, Watermans Park and
Winton Recreation Ground.

Pictures: Lorraine Gibson

Community planting days have begun but there are more at: Muscliff Park on Saturday, December 3, Slades Farm on December 7, 8, and 10 and Winton Recreation Ground on December 10, 12, 13 and 14. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the new year.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place, said: “We hope these trees and hedging whips will help boost biodiversity and provide vital food and habitats for mammals, birds, and insects.”

If your group would like to plant a tree, contact
info@parksfoundation.org.uk.
Information about planting days can be found at parksfoundation.org.uk/events/ and on the charity’s social media.