Community Tree and Hedgerow workshop

Discover how planting trees and hedgerows can make our towns and parishes greener, healthier and more resilient. 🍂

Whether you're a parish or town councillor, community volunteer, growing group member or a resident interested in local tree planting, this practical workshop will help you turn ideas into action.

Learn how to identify suitable sites, choose the right species, secure funding and ensure trees thrive for years to come. We'll also visit local community planting projects to see what's possible and hear first-hand from those who have made it happen.

What to expect: 

• Practical advice on choosing the right trees and hedgerows for your community
• Guidance on site selection, planting, and long-term care
• A visit to St Briavels Community Orchard to see community trees that are maturing
• Look at a local site identified by local community members for future tree planting
• Information on funding and support available for community projects
• Free refreshments and networking
• Opportunties to ask questions to different organisations

Trees and hedgerows deliver a wide range of benefits, from reducing flood risk and providing shade during heatwaves to supporting wildlife, improving air quality, storing carbon and creating opportunities for food growing and community engagment. They can play a vital role in creating healthier, greener more resilient places for people and nature.

Our speakers:

🌳Laura Ashton-Phillips, Tree and Green Spaces Officer, Gloucestershire County Council

Laura will share practical guidance on developing community tree and hedgerow projects, from identifying suitable sites and selecting appropriate species to planting and long-term management. She will also explore the many benefits trees bring, including biodiversity, climate resilience, health and wellbeing, flood mitigation and improved air quality. Laura will be on hand throughout the workshop to answer questions and share useful resources.

🌱 Mike Topp, Parish Grasslands Project, St Briavels 

The Parish Grasslands Project works to protect and enhance local wildlife habitats, orchards, trees and historic landscape features across the parish. Mike will introduce the St Briavels Community Orchard, sharing the story behind the project and lessons learned from establishing a successful community planting initiative before we visit the site.