19/02/2008 - Stacklands Tree Planting Party

Residents of Stacklands, Welwyn Garden City, hosted a tree planting party on 12 February 2008

The street party held to celebrate the planting of 10 prunus sargentii trees in Stacklands, Welwyn Garden City, was a resounding success, with many residents joining in to make the day really special.

The event was organised by local tree warden Monique Gauduchon, who thought that it was important to get the residents involved.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Tree Officer Claire Lilley arranged for the tree planting to take place during the half-term holiday and the road closed so that the children could get involved and play safety without fear of traffic.

The residents arranged a ‘bring-a-dish’ lunch to share and bubbly to toast the new trees was provided.

With the weather, turn-out and a tasty BBQ on their side, planting commenced at midday. Claire explained to the children what was going to happen and what the trees need to survive. The kids took it in turns to put silver coins in the planting holes for luck and helped to cover the roots over with soil, as well as promising to help water and take care of them in the future.

The most long-term resident of the street also helped with the planting of a tree outside her house – she was also there when the first set of trees was planted in Stacklands!

For the final tree, Monique delivered a speech and everyone raised a glass to a job well done, hoping that the local children will help to take care of the trees that have been planted for their lifetime.

The day was a real success and brought the community together.