On Sunday 1st December 2024, and coinciding with National Tree Week, we held our 2nd annual Tree Planting Day.
In wet and rainy conditions, over 130 volunteers, from young children and scouts all the way through to grandparents, helped plant around 400 tree saplings in areas where we have removed the conifers.
The planted trees were a wide variety of native species to help continue the work of our long term plan of helping to restore the woods back to an ancient woodland. This restoration work benefits wildlife by helping to build a healthier ecosystem. As well as creating a woodland for future generations to enjoy, it was wonderful that some of the saplings were generously donated by Children’s Forest including some rarer species such Spindle and Wayfaring Tree, which is a tree species only found here in the south east. As with many things, variety is the spice of life, and that’s no exception to tree species in a woodland. A wide variety will provide different food sources and nesting opportunities for a greater range of woodland creatures and birds. Different growth rates help create an essential mix through the layers; from the ground, through the shrub layer and up into the canopy. All of which help to increase biodiversity and the health of the woodland in the future. It was lovely to see so many young children getting involved, helping to plant trees that will grow as they grow.
Despite the weather, the day was a huge success with local MP James MacCleary and the ITV news team in attendance and smiles on everyone’s faces at being involved in such a worthwhile activity. All topped off with Laughton Greenwood featuring on the 6 o’clock news that evening!
Many thanks again to everyone involved.
