Birmingham Trees for Life Planted 14 New Trees at Handsworth Park

On the 29th November, I was pleased to join the Birmingham Trees for Life project and young people from Handsworth Wood Girls School to plant twelve wonderful trees.

The trees will form part of a new Tree Trail to be produced for the park in the summer. Unusual types of oak and beech were planted to add to the variety of trees in the park. Other trees with interesting leaves were also planted. Two of the trees were particularly suited to wet areas, so they were planted near the pool.
Birmingham Trees for Life organisers, Rangers and the Park Keeper made sure the enthusiasm of the young people was harnessed safely.

The project Schools Liaison Officer had walked with them and the teachers from the school and on the way they discussed the importance of trees. They took away with them the tree species identification labels so that they could look them up on the internet and see what the trees will look like in the summer. Pupils were also given a “goodie bag” of information about trees.

I was pleased to be joined by other members of the community at the park including a representative from the cricket club in the park. As we were planting, several users of the park said how pleased they were to see trees being planted.
Handsworth Park occupies over 63 acres. It was largely created in two parts, the first opened on June 20 1888, the second added in 1895. It was designed by nurseryman and landscape designer Richard Hartland Vertegens and has Grade II listed status, reflecting its importance as a fine example of a 19th century urban park. It was extensively restored about 8 years ago – for more information click here.