It was wonderful to see so many trees not only surviving but thriving at our recent tree tending event at Wilderlands Farm. An important part of the process, often overlooked by many other tree planting projects, is the care of the saplings. This involves cutting back grasses and weeds, checking saplings are healthy, adding a good quality nutrient- rich mulch around the roots to keep in moisture, securing tree protectors and posts. Many factors can lead to their demise, such as the abundance of deer that love to eat them, highland cows that bump into them, and extreme weather conditions.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who joined us on this special day. With your help, we were able to tend to a huge proportion of the 1,500 trees planted during our tree planting events last February and November, resulting in an impressive 85% success rate.
Tree tending at Wilderlands
Anna Johnson, Sustainability Consultant for Hope Solutions, shared, “Nothing brings people in closer connection with themselves, each other, and nature than a day out tending trees. Over the course of the day I learnt so much whilst deepening bonds with new and familiar faces, through our shared love of the environment. I’m already looking forward to returning with Forests without Frontiers to ensure the young trees have the best possible head start in life!"
Bringing together clients, donors, advisors and the local community, guests were guided through the ancient forest by Huw Williams, the guardian of Wilderlands Farm, who shared insights about the developments of the rewilding project. Steve Jones, an itinerant woodsman, imparted his enlightening knowledge of various tree species. Accompanied by folk singer Elle Osborne, guests immersed themselves in sounds that intertwined with nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
Anna Johnson and Ross Patel
“I can’t think of many better ways to have spent world environment day. The tree tending day was an incredible opportunity to deepen my knowledge on so many aspects of the management of the land passed on through true experts in the field. The lunch the team served was delicious and the company was brilliant. Looking forward to the next one!”
Considering the environmental impact of events, we are thankful to our partners Locate Productions, who provided a delicious locally sourced lunch from Brighton based caterers, Youjuice, featuring seasonal salads, fresh fruit shots, along with locally baked breads and Sussex cheeses. In keeping with our sustainability commitments, the majority of guests made their way to pick up points by train and foot and were transported to the site by mini bus, significantly lowering the carbon impact of the day.
Steve Jones talking about his work
Volunteers in action
As we continue to nurture these young saplings, we are reminded of the impact that collective efforts can have on our environment. Each tree we tend to is a step toward a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can ensure that these trees grow into a flourishing forest, benefiting wildlife and future generations. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
