The Silk Wood Community Planting Project has officially planted some of the final trees in an ambitious three-year effort to restore and diversify woodland impacted by ash dieback. Over 9,000 trees have now been planted at Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum. This scale of planting has not been seen at the Arboretum in many years and has been accomplished with the help of more than 4,000 people from over 50 community groups. This marks a significant final milestone in the restoration of this important ancient woodland site and in fostering connections between people and nature.
From the beginning, Cam Everlands Primary School has played an integral role in the success of the planting activities. The design of the woodland involved engagement activities with local schools and a design from a former Cam Everlands student, Emily was chosen in 2023 and subsequently incorporated into the final woodland layout.
Over the last three years, students have been actively engaged, not just in planting, but in the ongoing maintenance of the woodland. Their involvement has been marked by a celebration event last week where students have planted some of the final trees and reflected on their experiences with the project.
During the celebratory planting day Emily commented:
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the design come to life.”
Mrs Brunet-Lua, teacher at Cam Everlands primary school, added:
“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,”
This hands-on experience has provided invaluable learning opportunities, giving students a deeper understanding of forestry, and caring about the environment. Their efforts, alongside those of visiting groups such as mental health support charities, youth groups, and local environmental organisations, have contributed to the regeneration of a diverse woodland with many tree species. Native or near native species, including oaks, small leaved-lime and field maple with more exotic species such as Italian alder have been planted, which are adapted to warmer, drier climates.
The project has also delivered a range of wellbeing and learning benefits. Participants took part in nature-based wellbeing sessions, designed to help them feel the benefits of spending time in nature, and connecting with trees. They also joined skills-based sessions, learning how to measure tree height, identify plants and learn about forestry. Creative activities such as mindful photography and nature journalling made further use of the newly planted site. This collaborative initiative has united people from various backgrounds to get creative, connect with nature and restore the area's biodiversity.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Cam everlands school, credit Amy Flower
Project Manager, Oscar Adams said:
“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 project’s success is underscored by an impressive sapling survival rate of over 90%, well above the industry standard. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, many of whom have returned season after season to care for the young trees. In the years to come, the woodland will continue to be managed and maintained, making it a welcoming environment for the community.
As the woodland continues to grow, its legacy will be shaped by the thousands of people who helped create it, ensuring it remains a welcoming and resilient space for the community. The Silk Wood Community Planting Project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, alongside funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Julia Rausing Trust, The John Horseman Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Summerfield Charitable Trust, Swire Charitable Trust, MillerKnoll Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust and Gloucestershire County Council.
You can keep up to date with latest news by visiting: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/community-planting-project
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