Our volunteers had a fantastic day working with the PCC team, working on Phase 2 of our planting scheme as part of the the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest scheme. We have planted a 300 m² area in the Upper Field with over 500 one-year old whips (Alder, Aspen, Bird cherry, Blackthorn, Crab apple, Dog rose, Dogwood, Downy birch, Elder, Field maple, Hawthorn,Hazel, Holly, Purging Buckthorn, Rowan, Silver birch, Spindle.) The trees are mulched with a layer of cardboard and wood chip to help them to establish. Some of the trees have been mulched with felt mats made from sheep wool supplied by Dartmoor Hill Farm Project. This is part of a trial to test its efficacy and to add value to wool obtained after shearing, which currently is of little commercial worth. The trees will be managed to establish a woodland canopy over the next five years or so.

We have also planted five standard trees (Walnut, Oak, Hornbeam) which will mature to complement other specimen trees to enhance walks in the park and shady spots to relax, picnic, or play.

We have also planted to fill some of the gaps in the boundary hedge and added more trees to the fence at the rear of houses bordering Sackville close in the lower field, as well as two Tamar cherries and pear trees in the orchard.

Trees provide huge environmental benefits like the mitigation of atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and increasing biodiversity by providing diverse habitats and food sources for animals and birds. There is also increasing recognition of the value of trees for quality of life in urban environments, with many research studies showing their importance for the environment and for our health and well being. Trees produce oxygen and contribute to the . Many studies have shown that trees boost our physical and mental health. They provide shade and local cooling. Trees produce oxygen and chemicals that have direct benefits for our immune, hormonal, and circulatory systems when we breathe forest air. Their leaves also reduce the level of harmful particles from traffic fumes. Many people find that walking among trees has a calming and mood-improving effect, and scientific studies confirm that this can provide relief from anxiety and depression. Forest Bathing, anyone?