Tree week events

Published Wednesday 15 November, 2023
Last updated on Wednesday 26 June, 2024

People celebrated national tree week (27 November until 5 December) with events hosted by Swale Borough Council.

They were opportunities to celebrate and promote trees, and to discover their value in mitigating climate change.

There were numerous free family activity events being hosted at the Faversham Rec.

They are:

• Leaf Dressing Art Workshop: Saturday 25 November and Sunday 26 November, people joined Andy Evans at the lodge, Saturday and Sunday
• Become a Friend of the Rec: Saturday 25 November. A public meeting in the community room
• Children’s Lantern Festival: Saturday 25 November. People created, decorated and displayed lanterns in the trees
• Decorate a Wishing Tree: Sunday 26 November
• Leaf Printing: Sunday 26 November
• Tree Walks: Monday 27 November. People got to know our leafy friends
• Volunteer Celebration: Tuesday 28 November. People discovered more about volunteering at the Rec

There was a maximum of 25 people per event per time slot and was on a first come first serve basis, although some accommodations  were made depending on turnout.

There was also a willow pollarding day at Milton Creek in Sittingbourne on the 29 November 2023.

Pollarding is the process of pruning the top branches of a tree, which not only promotes growth, but is a great way to produce materials for projects such as sculptures.

The event started at 10am, and people had to come dressed for the weather and meet in the Milton Creek car park, where tools, tea and coffee were provided.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, Chair of the environment committee said:

“Tree week is an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of trees; they provide oxygen that we rely on and the beautiful environments we enjoy.

“The environment is a priority for the council and protecting our trees and green spaces has never been more important.

“Let’s use tree week to appreciate and celebrate our trees in our borough and spend time together with friends and family doing fun tree related activities!

“Thank you to everyone who took part in our free events, from children’s art projects at the Faversham Rec to pruning trees in Milton Creek.”