Help plant 4,000 trees

Volunteers are needed to help plant more than 4,000 trees in a bid to boost biodiversity and enable people to connect with nature.

We will be planting 170 mature trees and fruit trees, as well as up to 4,000 hedging whips, this winter.

We’re inviting individuals, local clubs, groups, or organisations to help with the planting, which will take place in all eleven of the 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 us on: info@parksfoundation.org.uk to arrange a date.

Information about the planting days can be found on our website here and on our social media.

Published November 2022