Richmond

Community mission

Tree Pluggers

9 GoodGymers made their way to help the Petersham Common Conservators in Richmond.

  • Sam
  • Jack Concanon
  • JP
  • Cathy Aicardi
  • Richmond runner
  • Ken MacKenzie
  • Richmond runner
  • Victoria
  • Emma Wiffin
 
Saturday, 28th of January 2023
 
Led by Liz
She/her

A chilly Saturday morning saw 9 cheery GoodGymers out on Petersham Common planting trees, as part of an overall effort to plant 2,500 trees this winter and 25,000 trees over the past 5 years - all with the help of many volunteers including plenty of support from GoodGym.

Our task was to plant blackthorn and cherry trees - native varieties - towards the bottom end of the Common. Ken explained that the woods is lacking in medium height trees that many birds need to set up a nest in, and showed us how we could use "slot planting" for those with smaller roots. Once they've grown the cherries and blackthorns will be coppiced so they grow back thicker, making for a more immersive woodland for visitors and better habitats for songbirds - an ideal activity for the RSPB's Big Birdwatch weekend!

Despite the chilly air we did our job happily, chatting away in our small groups as we searched for spots to fit a tree, avoiding the bluebells and underground roots. We got through all the trees Ken had brought along and felt happy and satisfied as we headed off to begin our weekends.

Report written by JP


Discuss this report

Liz
Liz
She/her
Sunday January 29th, 2023 15:48

Brilliant work team! 🌲🌳🌲🌳

sign in to add a comment

Share the love

Join us on the next run

Gardening at GoodGym sponsored riverside Three Pigeons Plot and monthly social drinks

Monday, 8th of April 2024 18:45 - 20:30
Led by Liz


Tap Tavern

Find out more

Become a member

with an optional monthly donation

  • Run, walk, or cycle to help older people
  • Access sessions across the country
  • Claim your GoodGym t-shirt

Need help with a community project?

If you're a community organisation and have a physical task then we'd like to help.

Request a task

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more