Branching Out for Climate Action: Our Tree-mendous Effort
What a couple of days it's been! We've had an absolute blast getting our hands dirty (literally!) down at Leeds Road Park with Groundwork Yorkshire, planting trees and creating a mini-forest for future generations. Our Zero Selby volunteers were out in force, ready to make a difference, and let me tell you, the energy was infectious!
We're not just planting any old trees, oh no! We're using the Miyawaki method, which basically means we're packing the trees in tightly. This encourages them to grow up to ten times faster than in a traditional woodland. This means we can create a thriving woodland habitat for both humans and wildlife much quicker, which is fantastic news for the environment. And these aren't just any trees; they're all native to this specific area. Groundwork carefully chose species that would naturally thrive here, making sure they're perfectly suited to the local conditions. The tree species and sizes have been strategically selected, knowing that some will naturally out-compete others within each square meter. While we don't expect every single tree to make it, this is actually part of the plan!
On Wednesday afternoon, things got even more lively (and loud, in the best way possible!) when we were joined by pupils from Selby Abbey Primary School and St Mary's Primary School. These young eco-warriors were absolute superstars, planting metre squares with a diverse mix of trees – one canopy tree, a medium-sized tree, a smaller one, and even a holly bush for good measure. The atmosphere was electric! It's amazing how seeing the world through the eyes of a child can reignite your own sense of wonder.
And let me tell you, these kids were keen. Especially when it came to shovelling mulch. I swear, they treated it like an Olympic sport! One lad in my group, mid-mulch, spade in hand, with a grin that could rival the Cheshire Cat, declared, "This is better than PE!" You've got to love that enthusiasm.
The childrens’ curiosity was brilliant. They wanted to know everything. How big would the trees grow? (One 11-year-old asked how big they’d be by the time he was 41 – very forward-thinking!). What were the names of all the different tree species? How was the soil prepared? And, of course, they had LOTS of questions about the mulch. (Who knew mulch could be so fascinating?) I even had a great conversation about composting, and I was really impressed by how much they already knew. Some of them already compost at home, which is fantastic!
It was especially touching to chat with some of the volunteers who lived just over the road. They told me how their kids used to play in this very park, and now, they're planting trees that will become a legacy for their children and grandchildren. It was a really nice reminder of how these projects connect generations.
Personally, I had an absolute ball. Getting out of the office, even though it was a bit chilly, was so refreshing. Thankfully, the rain stayed away, and I came away feeling energised, inspired, and…well, just really pleased. Pleased to see carbon capture in action, pleased to see local residents taking action against climate change in their community, and pleased to have spent such a fun and fulfilling day with such brilliant people.
This tree planting project is just one example of how we’re all working together to make a difference. It ties in perfectly with some of our other initiatives, like our repair cafe (which, incidentally, came up in conversation a lot during the day – it seems we’re all keen to mend and reuse!) We’re also working on a gardening project, which will be another great way for people to connect with nature and learn more about sustainable living. Because, as we all know, every little bit helps, and together, we can create a greener, healthier future for everyone.
And if you're feeling inspired to get involved, Groundwork Yorkshire is always looking for volunteers! They'll be at Parkways Recreation Ground in Tadcaster on the 25th and 26th of February, planting more trees! You can lend a hand during their planting sessions from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Contact Tony for more information tony.jacobs@groundwork.org.uk.