We couldn't think of a better day in the year to show Ipswich Parks some love than on Valentines' Day!

Arriving at Gippeswyk Park early to ensure no one was without cake it was hard to decipher the Ipswich Park Ranger Sarah and location for the tree planting due to the mist and fog that covered the park.

Part of #IpswichLovesTreesWeek, the word had definitely got out. Families on half-term rolled up their sleeves, coinciding the planting with a visit to the park's new play area that had opened that morning.

No sooner than the gazebo was up and the spades and forks were unloaded from the van, the skies lifted and the sun shone.

It was lovely to see GoodGymer Eleanor there who wasted no time getting stuck in and offered pro tips to Natalie about the best way to get into the tough turf. Smaller spades were the order of the day with plenty of fork action. Tips to treasure for life! Paul too was an expert at his craft and it was great to see their enthusiasm for the park, planting and Good Gym.

Along came Mayor of Ipswich John Cook who was a dab hand and plenty of Ipswich Tree Wardens who knew exactly how to get the job done. And Theresa from Good Gym HQ was delighted to be back in Ipswich.

Within an hour, more than 250 trees of the final 400+ were collectively planted including Bird Cherry, Buckthorn, Crab Apple, Gorse, Honey Suckle and Hazel. National charity Trees for Cities too offered muscle, encouragement and plenty of motivating tunes from their speaker.

All in all, it was a great morning spent with people coming together in the Spring sunshine and seeing such progress. It really did feel apt for a relaunch. Can't wait to head back and see the trees mature.

(Better photos coming soon... :)