Community / Learn how to plant trees – amenity trust invites folk to event this weekend
PEOPLE have a chance to learn from the experts about tree planting this coming weekend in Lerwick.
Folk can also take part in the planting of over 200 trees.
Shetland Amenity Trust has been operating a horticultural unit for nearly 30 years, nurturing native species and supporting tree planting schemes for schools, community group, and individuals throughout Shetland to help improve Shetland’s biodiversity.
A demonstration by staff will take place on Saturday 15 April from 10am to 12 noon at the Anderson High School.
It will involve the planting of hundreds of trees at the Lochside site which have been provided by the Woodland Trust under a national scheme to plant hundreds of thousands of trees throughout the UK.
It comes after the amenity trust recently expanded its tree nursery at Staney Hill to meet growing demand for trees in Shetland.
Paul Goddard, who leads the amenity trust’s woodlands team said: “The MOREwoods project has been very popular in Shetland – with groups and schools requesting free packs at the end of last year.
“Many of the trees have been grown from seed at our nursery and we are now starting to distribute the packs to the various groups.
“We thought it would be timely and useful to host a practical tree planting demonstration day both for the recipients of the tree packs but also to give confidence to anyone who would like to go out there and volunteer with a group, or just wanting to plant a few trees in their garden.”
The demonstration day will cover all aspects of tree planting, from best practice through to advice and tips on what trees to plant in which place, the importance of provenance when selecting a tree, and the benefits of aftercare.
Everyone is welcome, but participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a sturdy spade if they have one.
Last Thursday the trust opened its doors to the public to launch its expanded tree nursery.
The expansion has raised the trust’s carrying capacity to 45,000 saplings.
It has been supported with a £10,440 contribution from Shetland Community Benefit Fund through Viking Community Fund’s Advance Grant Scheme, a £8,600 grant from Scottish Forestry and a £5,000 contribution from Woodland Trust Scotland.
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