A tree-mendous effort: 9,000 trees planted at Silk Wood

After three years of community effort, the Silk Wood Community Planting Project has reached an important milestone with the planting of its final trees. The project was launched to help restore woodland affected by ash dieback at Westonbirt, and has resulted in more than 9,000 trees being planted across five hectare the site. This scale of planting has not been seen at the Arboretum for many years and has been made possible thanks to the support of more than 4,000 volunteers from over 50 community groups.

Local schools have played a key role in the project, particularly Cam Everlands Primary School. Early engagement activities invited students to help imagine what the new woodland could look like, and one pupil's design was ultimately incorporated into the final layout of the site. Over the past three years, students have returned regularly, helping to plant and care for the young trees while learning about forestry and the importance of protecting the environment. To celebrate the completion of the project, students recently returned to plant the final trees and reflect on their involvement.

Collecting woodchip mulch. Photo by Alison Whaley

"It is a great pleasure being involved with the project since the start, from designing to planting. We have enjoyed watching the area develop and cannot wait to watch the saplings grow. It is so beneficial for our children to be involved in a community project outside our school community, that will carry on for years after they leave our school." Said Mrs Brunet-Lua, teacher at Cam Everlands primary school.

The woodland itself has been planted with a diverse mix of species to help strengthen the ecosystem and prepare it for future climate conditions. Native and near-native trees such as oak, small-leaved lime and field maple have been planted alongside species like Italian alder, which are better adapted to warmer and drier climates.

Alongside planting, the project has also created opportunities for people to connect with nature in different ways. Volunteers and visiting groups took part in nature-based wellbeing sessions, learned practical forestry skills such as measuring tree height and identifying plants, and explored creative activities including mindful photography and nature journalling.

Working as a team planting trees. Photo by Amy Flower

Project Manager Oscar Adams said the initiative has always been about more than planting trees. "The Silk Wood Community Planting Project has been about far more than getting trees in the ground. It's been about giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn new skills, get outside and feel part of the future of this woodland. Watching groups come back each year and care for their growing trees has been incredibly rewarding".

The dedication of volunteers has also helped the project achieve a commendable sapling survival rate of over 90 percent. As the woodland continues to grow, it will be carefully managed and maintained so that it remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a welcoming place for the community to enjoy for years to come.