Over 70 enthusiastic pupils embarked on a memorable journey last week as they joined hands to plant trees at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Their mission? To contribute to the ‘Silk Wood Community Planting Project’, aimed at reviving an area of ancient semi-natural woodland within the arboretum.
This commendable effort comes as a response to the adverse effects of ash tree felling in 2021 due to Chalara ash dieback. Through this ambitious project, the goal is to plant a staggering 9,000 trees within the Silk Wood area, with the involvement of over 1,000 community participants. The initiative seeks to establish a unique ‘community woodland’ spanning across 5 hectares, providing an accessible space for the public to relish and fostering an enhanced sense of well-being.
Oscar Adams, Project Manager at Westonbirt, expressed his delight at the lively participation of the Cam Everlands Primary School pupils from Dursley, who joyously planted 145 trees during the event. He highlighted the collaborative effort involving local schools, with special mention to 11-year-old Emily Fletcher, whose design was selected for incorporation into the final woodland blueprint.
Dominic Knill, Head Teacher of Cam Everlands Primary School, hailed the day as a remarkable opportunity for the pupils to engage with nature and contribute to a greater cause. He emphasised the educational value of the experience and expressed hopes of future generations returning to witness the fruits of their labor.
In a departure from conventional methods, Westonbirt opted to involve the local community extensively in the replanting process. The project aims to engage diverse groups, including young people, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with neurodiverse conditions, fostering inclusivity and community cohesion.
Carefully curated tree species, selected for their resilience to climate and disease, including field maple, small-leaved lime, and pedunculate oak, are being planted, ensuring a thriving ecosystem conducive to wildlife.
This initiative aligns with Westonbirt’s overarching vision to connect people with trees, enriching lives through education, conservation, and active participation. As the project progresses, the team looks forward to garnering support from the public, inviting contributions to sustain this transformative endeavor.
For further updates on this inspiring initiative and details on how to get involved, visit the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum blog at fowa.org.uk/blog.
For additional insights into the project, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/community-planting-project.
