The power of collaboration
At an animal rehoming site, one of Oxfordshire’s largest community tree planting projects entered its final phase, bringing together over 350 local volunteers to plant around 10,000 native trees at the Blue Cross in West Oxfordshire, UK.
The project, spearheaded by Lucy Staveley, ITF’s UK Programme Development Lead, has boosted tree cover in one of the UK’s most tree-depleted counties, stabilising soil and increasing carbon capture on a site that is on the edge of a ‘Nature Recovery Zone’.
Furthermore, the newly planted hedgerows and copses will increase the variety of habitats that enable a range of wildlife to thrive, providing nature corridors and connectivity across the Blue Cross site.
Crucially, all the native hedging and tree species planted are suitable for the horses at the Blue Cross site, carefully selected to provide shade, protection from wind, reduce noise and disturbance.
Commenting on the project, Vicki Alford, Horse Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Burford, says, “We are very grateful to ITF for their contribution. As well as shelter and shade, the hedges and trees encourage natural behaviours and enrichment for our horses, such as scratching on trunks and weaving around the trees. The new planting also provides more interesting green spaces for our team to walk dogs who are looking for new homes at our centre, as well as improving the environment here at Burford.”
“Stepping outside and doing something to help the environment really makes you realise how great this is for your mental health”
True to ITF’s mission to transform landscapes and lives through community-led tree planting, this project has brought local communities together. Individual volunteers have teamed up with Burford Primary School, Muslim Women’s Association, Gig-Arts, Blue Cross Horse Team, business groups and project donors, all of whom have received pre-planting training to ensure the long-term success of this important tree planting project.
The volunteers also reported mental and physical wellbeing benefits thanks to spending time outside in nature, connecting with people and making a positive difference to their
local environment.
"I felt a sense of calm and mental clarity. Taking a day off work to volunteer in nature not only boosted our teamworking skills but also reminded me of the patience and care required to nurture growth, both in nature and within ourselves."
This article first appeared in Trees, ITF’s annual journal
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