11 excitable foresters met at Ockwells Park for the first tree-mendous task of 2022.

Jess had collected spades and shelters from the Braywick Nature Centre and with Sheila's pre-scout of the location the gang were good to go, so they shove-l-ed off for the 1km walk to the planting site.

Although it was not raining it was muddy and squelchy underfoot, however, this did not deter the intrepid explorers for the first task of the year.

The first task was to locate the 'straggly lonely' willow where the whips to be planted had been healed into the ground to keep their roots moist. The stakes were then found just inside the forest edge.

Once all the tools had been located the team collected whips, shelters, stakes, spades and mallets and set about 'whipping' the area into shape!

A hole was made by pushing the spade into the ground and wiggling it a bit to make a slot. The whip was then placed into the hole and then the soil pushed back into place to seal it in the ground. A shelter was then carefully placed over the top to protect the young tree from predators such as deer and rabbits. Finally a stake was inserted into the ground next to the shelter and secured to it with cable ties, this was to help the shelter stay in place and also help the tree grow straight.

With all the shelters and stakes used, indicating 200 trees planted, the team collected the tools and made their way back to the car park.

More sessions are available to be part of this great opportunity and build a wood for generations to come, check the GoodGym listings to sign up!