Twerton families help plant hundreds of trees at Your Park Family Day in Brickfields Park celebrating National Tree Week

Local families from Twerton and Oldfield Park were joined by the Mayor of Bath, Councillor June Player and Councillor Jess David to help plant hundreds of trees in Brickfields Park with the help of the Your Park team. This was an opportunity for all ages to show some love for their park and to make a real difference to the future of this vital green space.

Councillor David said “It was great to see so many families tree planting at Brickfields. This will make a huge contribution to the local environment and leave a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by generations to come. Thank you to Your Park for all their work to involve more people in shaping and improving parks and green spaces.”

The event was part of Your Park Bristol and Bath’s initiative inviting local people to get involved in transforming Brickfields Park to make it a better space for people and nature. It was the finale in a series of Your Park events in Brickfields celebrating National Tree Week with 579 native trees planted by volunteers from the community around the park. Species planted included birch, maple, cherry, hornbeam, oak, crab apple, hazel and dogwood.

The Mayor of Bath, Councillor June Player commented: “This is just the sort of event that I love as it is about the environment, the community and taking a pride in our area.”

The Brickfields project is based on research highlighting the benefits of time spent in a green space*, the importance for our mental and physical wellbeing and the role of parks in creating stronger communities. It is also part of a response to the ecological and climate emergencies.

Charlee Bennett, Director of Your Park Bristol and Bath said: “The 18 new species of tree planted this week combined with the wildflower meadow created earlier in the year will really transform the park for nature. They will support thousands of species for years to come and give local people a park filled with nature to enjoy.”

Your Park Bristol and Bath has been running weekly sessions in the park to involve the community in creating a beautiful wildflower meadow that will encourage pollinators and increase the biodiversity of their local green space.

The Brickfields Park project is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery and BANES Council.

If you are interested in supporting this evolving and innovative project, more information can be found on the charity’s website www.yourpark.org.uk or email info@yourpark.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

*Research in the Journal Nature shows spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (Nature 2019)

• Your Park, Bristol and Bath was established in 2019 as an independent charity to make parks and green spaces better places to meet, play, learn, grow, breathe, and enjoy nature. It was previously known during its development phase as Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation.
• As a registered charity in England and Wales no.1182217 it relies on the support of fundraising partnerships and donations.

For projects and news visit www.yourpark.org.uk

Available for interview:

Charlee Bennett, Director Your Park Bristol and Bath

charlee@yourpark.org.uk 07807 476346

For further information please contact info@yourpark.org.uk

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @yourparkBB

Website: www.yourpark.org.uk

Image: L to R: Ann Birtwhistle, Co-ordinator Your Park Bristol and Bath; Mayor of Bath Councillor June Player; Charlee Bennett, Director Your Park Bristol and Bath