Forest grows with addition of 800 trees

TORRENTIAL rain didn’t put the dampers on volunteers planting over 800 trees in parkland.

Beech, silver birch and hornbeam were put in the ground at Gorse Covert and Charnwood Waters by members of Loughborough’s Green Gym; a franchise licensed to Charnwood Borough Council managed by outdoor facilities contractor ID Verde.

The Green Gym is an initiative of the Conservation Volunteers that provided the trees as well as guards to protect against rabbits, as well as mowers and support stakes.

Head ranger at ID Verde Ciaran Fern said: “The donation of free trees is down to Cara Wild from Charnwood Borough Council who is their license holder for the Green Gym.

“Charnwood has increased its woodland cover by 1,900 new trees this year alone thanks to the efforts of The Green Gym and Cara who’s run it since its inception in 2015.”

As more people are concerned to increase their time spent in green spaces because of the pandemic, the Green Gym not only transforms the local area providing more clean air but improves well-being and mental health from contact with nature.

Socially-distanced work and time outdoors improve stress hormone cortisol awakening responses so effectively the voluntary groups featured in BBC2 popular health programme Trust Me I’m A Doctor.

Tree planting, sowing wild flower meadows and establishing ponds can burn more calories than a session at the gym. Referrals can also be made through the GP.

“Members of the Green Gym help us to implement and met the targets on Charnwood’s various site management plans while keeping healthy with socially-distanced outdoor activities working with others to cut pollution and increase environmental sustainability,” added Mr Fern.