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?’
Those were the words of The Parks Foundation nature recovery project manager, Stephen Concar.
The charity needs local 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.
They are asking for individuals, clubs, groups and organisations to volunteer with the planting which is taking place at 11 Nature Recovery project parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The scheme is seeing hundreds of trees and hedgerows planted

“This planting has a focus on flowering and fruiting trees, which are great for pollinators and other wildlife,” Stephen said.
“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.”
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 already begun but there are more set to be announced in the new year.
Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “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 your group would like to plant a tree, contact info@parksfoundation.org.uk to arrange a date.
More information about planting days can be found at https://parksfoundation.org.uk/events/ and via the charity’s social media channels.