Scouts from across the borough are being thanked for their work and support following the planting of a new woodland in Parkfield Recreation Ground.
Over 500 trees were planted by 39 Scout groups, with over 400 scouts and their families taking part, to create a new woodland for the next generation. Native woodland tree species including hawthorn, sessile oak, silver birch, hazel, rowan and blackthorn were all planted, thanks to the Woodland Trust, who donated 420 of the trees, with 100 English oaks being supplied by the council. The young ‘whip’ trees and saplings were planted, with the support of idverde, the council’s parks and greenspace management contractor, around 8 newly planted standard trees. A further 500 trees will be planted by the council in the coming months at Parkfield Recreation Ground, which is near Bromley Common.
Councillor Hannah Gray, the Mayor of Bromley, said, “A massive thank you to everyone who took part in this mammoth planting session. I was honoured to be able to plant a tree too, but as hundreds of scouts all volunteered, it made me very proud of our scouts and their willingness to get stuck in, with the contributions of so many making a long term difference. The commitment shown by so many scouts gave me fresh confidence and optimism for tomorrow as well.”
Shelia Howard, Bromley’s District Commissioner said, “Scouts recognise the importance of trees and the wider environment. We wanted to give a practical opportunity for scouts to be able to contribute to their community and I am delighted that so many were inspired to take part. We hope this district scout wood will have long term benefits and a lasting impact. I know that many of the scouts will be visiting the Parkfield Recreation Ground in the years to come as well to watch the slow and steady growth of the trees.”
Steven Lofting, idverde’s Senior Conservation Ranger and a Scout Volunteer said, “The support we received was fantastic - thank you as well to the parents and guardians who came along to lend their support to this woodland initiative.”
Bromley District Scouts is the largest district in the country, and was overwhelmed with number of groups across the borough supporting the woodland planting initiative. The newly planted woodland is also set to be recognised as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) tree planting initiative, which was created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and the wishes of His Majesty The King, the initiative is being extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour The Queen.
ENDS
- For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, communications executive on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.