This morning I found myself planting trees in Fox Hollies Park. It was bitterly cold, but the exercise kept us warm. Pupils from nearby Oaklands Primary school and Saltley College, came along to help out with the planting, organised by Birmingham Trees for Life. We planted about five hundred trees of seven different species from Oak to Beech. It was a very successful event that saw the pupils from the schools engaging with the environment and wildlife in the area. At the end of the session the children were all cheering that they wanted to come back and plant more. They were thrilled with the gift bag they received, which included an identification book on trees and other little goodies.

‘Birmingham Trees for Life’ is a project devoted to promoting awareness and understanding throughout the city of the value and importance of trees. They also campaign to raise money to enable more trees to be planted, and to encourage the involvement of everyone, especially young people, in planting trees.

This year they will be holding approximately 30 events and are looking to begin planning events for next year. Judging from the pupils experience and enthusiasm today I can but hope they return next year for more of the same(Although, hopefully on a slightly warmer day).

More information and a list of all upcoming events organised by Birmingham Trees for Life can be found on their website http://www.btfl.org.uk or if you would like to contact them you can do that either by email: bhamtreesforlife@gmail.com or by post:

Birmingham Trees for Life
The Birmingham Civic Society
9 Margaret Street
Birmingham

B3 3BS

The complete group of tree planters in Fox Hollies Park after finishing the job!