Published on Wednesday 23 November 2022
Volunteers are invited to help plant more than 4,000 trees in a bid to boost biodiversity and enable people to connect with nature.
The Parks Foundation, which works closely with BCP Council, will be planting 170 mature trees and fruit trees, as well as up to 4,000 hedging whips, this winter.
The charity is now asking individuals, local clubs, groups, or organisations to help with the planting, which will take place in all eleven of its Nature Recovery project parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The Parks Foundation’s Nature Recovery Project Manager, Stephen Concar, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to invite the community to join us in planting trees.
"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 to come. 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 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.
Community planting days have been planned at Muscliff Park on Wednesday 23 November and Saturday 3 December, Haskells Recreation Ground on Wednesday 30 November, Slades Farm on 7, 8, and 10 December, and Winton Recreation Ground on 10, 12, 13 and 14 December.
Additional dates and locations will be announced in the new year.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Place, said: "By planting in several locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, these trees will also contribute towards creating wildlife corridors which make it easier for species to access a wider area. This helps improve the green network here in our conurbation."
"We hope that these trees and hedging whips will help to boost biodiversity and provide vital food and habitats for mammals, birds, and insects."
If you would like to organise for your group to plant a tree, contact The Parks Foundation on: info@parksfoundation.org.uk to arrange a date.
Information about the planting days can be found on the Parks Foundation website here and on the charity’s social media.
Editor’s notes
Image shows one of The Parks Foundation Activators, Josh Clarke.
The Parks Foundation is an environment charity based in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch dedicated to enhancing parks and open spaces through fundraising and delivering community projects. The Parks Foundation aims to create inspirational parks that improve people’s health and wellbeing, reconnect people with nature and bring diverse communities together.
In summer 2021, The Parks Foundation alongside BCP Council was awarded £224,000 funding from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to deliver a Nature Recovery project in selected parks. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency, and Forestry Commission. Read more about it here.
No prior experience is needed to help with tree planting, everyone is welcome to come along and lend a hand, with all tools and equipment to take part supplied by The Parks Foundation.
Follow the Parks Foundation on social media here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheParksFoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parksfoundation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParksFndtn
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