Community groups get tree-planting off to a tee

Local community groups have been busy planting new trees at a Derby park as part of a timeline of activities facilitated by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council.

Last month, to celebrate National Tree Planting Week, groups from across Derby adopted a ‘Tree for a Tee’ at Allestree Park and rolled up their sleeves to help plant them.

The 18 fruit trees were planted on former golf course tees to provide a new food source for pollinators, birds and mammals and get the park buzzing with more wildlife.

Schools, children’s playgroups, places of worship, charities, community groups, sport clubs and local businesses came forward to put their names on a tree and be part of the heritage of the park for years to come.

Andy Honman, wilder connections officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “From the community conversations throughout the life of this project, we know that people are excited to be involved in projects as part of the community rewilding of the park.

“It was wonderful to see so many local community groups from all around the area come forward to adopt a tree, create a food source for wildlife and connect with nature on their doorstep.

“We want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has contributed and helped make Allestree Park even better for people and nature.

“We are excited to watch these trees grow in the coming years and watch the wildlife they bring to the site.”

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, public safety and leisure, said: “Trees are essential to our planet and our wellbeing, and this is the perfect way to remember the park’s golf course heritage while taking steps to create a brighter future for wildlife and communities.

“I’m thrilled that so many community groups, involving people of all ages, have chosen to adopt a fruit tree.”