Tree-mendous effort by volunteers
Volunteers make a huge difference to everything we do at Sherwood.
So we were delighted to welcome a team of staff from the Environment Agency recently, who gave up their time to help improve the landscape around our new centre.
The 20-strong team planted an amazing 273 bare-rooted native trees and shrubs on the two banks adjacent to the coach turning circle and around the parking area in the centre’s new car park, off Swinecote Road.
Staff from the Agency’s National Asset Management Team used their environment leave and travelled from around the country to support our project.
Nev White, from the Environment Agency, explained why the team had been keen to do something at Sherwood.
“Partnership working is at the heart of everything we do, and so this was a perfect opportunity for us. The enthusiasm of the RSPB staff and working to support and enhance somewhere which is both a Special Area of Conservation, and a Special Site of Scientific Interest meant it was easy to decide we wanted to volunteer at Sherwood,” he said.
“Being a part of this fantastic new venue which will attract millions of visitors to Sherwood Forest was an offer we couldn’t refuse.
“The RSPB officers were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive through planning and supporting us on the day. All the volunteers had an amazing time which will stay in their memories for years to come.
“Planting trees and shrubs at the new visitor centre’s entrance means our efforts will be one of the first things visitors will see; and it will live on and grow even more impressive in the future. We are all proud to have left such a legacy at such an important part of our national heritage, and we can’t wait to return once the centre is open.”
Ross Frazer, RSPB’s project manager for the new visitor centre, said he was extremely
grateful to the agency for its donation, and the staff for their generosity.
“It was mammoth effort for 20 people to plant almost 300 trees and shrubs over a day, and we can’t thank them enough for giving up their time to help enhance our project,” he said.
“Volunteering is at the heart of everything we do at the RSPB, and so it’s fitting that one of the first things visitors will see at the new entrance has been created by volunteers.
“This kind of generosity is allowing us to have a landscape immediately around the centre, which is fitting of this wonderful place.”
Companies interested in getting involved in volunteering days at Sherwood should contact mike.harris@rspb.org.uk to find out more.