A delayed start due to overnight frost but then the sun came out, the ground thawed, volunteers gathered equipped with spades, arm-power and goodwill – and within an hour our mammoth sapling planting project was finished! Around 350 native trees now form part of the hedgerow bordering the northern expanse of Ladywell Fields, following the last of three recent sessions, helped this time by GoodGymers Khai and Linda.

The saplings – just bare slender whips at the moment – will soon start to bud when the growing season gets under way, making this popular green space even more attractive for both people and wildlife, as well as increasing leafy carbon absorption to help mitigate climate change.