Volunteering With The National Trust – Hedge Planting

Posted on: Tuesday 14th January 2025 by Jess Clayton

National Trust - Hedgerow Planting - December 2024

On the 12th December members of the Travel Village Group team began their morning with a sense of purpose as they gathered in the High Peak, ready to embark on a day of volunteering with the National Trust. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ladybower Reservoir and the rolling hills of the Peak District, a farm was the site of the mission: planting nearly 1,400 new trees to restore and create hedgerows—a vital habitat for wildlife and a critical player in combatting climate change. This was the first of many volunteer days for the National Trust’s Plant A Tree initiative that we hope to take part in.

The Bigger Picture

The National Trust’s mission to protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive resonates deeply. With nature and historic landscapes under increasing threat from a changing climate, initiatives like this underscore the importance of collective action. Hedge planting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating wildlife corridors, reducing flooding, and capturing carbon. Each tree planted is a step toward a healthier, more resilient environment.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

Armed with shovels and spades, they got to work. The task wasn’t easy, but it was deeply rewarding. Under the guidance of project manager, Ellie Barham and the ranger team from the National Trust, volunteers from Travel Village Group, worked tirelessly to dig, plant, and secure the saplings that will one day form vibrant hedgerows teeming with life.

As the team planted, the beauty of the Peak District unfolded around them, making the hard work seem like a privilege. Alannah Flanders, one of the TVG volunteers, captured it perfectly: “The views of the Peak District made the day even better. It was a lovely change of scenery, and I am now a pro tree planter!”

The Human Connection

For many, the day was more than just environmental conservation—it was a rejuvenating escape. Jenny Higgins reflected, “As someone who spends a lot of their time behind a screen, it was incredibly refreshing to get outdoors and contribute hands-on to such an important cause. Growing up, I spent weekends visiting National Trust sites, so being able to preserve these spaces for future generations was incredibly rewarding.”

Leah Ormerwood likened the experience to therapy: “Looking back to see all the trees and hedges we had planted throughout the day—it’s not very often you can say you’ve planted a chestnut tree that will be there for 150 years to come!”

Samantha Bonney appreciated the camaraderie and fresh air, saying, “It was wonderful spending time with colleagues out of the office environment and doing something worthwhile.”

A Legacy for the Future

By the end of the day, the transformation was already visible—a long stretch of young saplings marking the beginning of what will become a thriving hedgerow. This wasn’t just a day of planting trees; it was a day of planting hope. Each sapling stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to care for the natural world.

As the team packed up and looked back at their work, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The National Trust’s mission—to protect nature, beauty, and history for everyone, forever—felt more achievable through the collective efforts.

Ellie Barham, Trees and Woodland Project Manager for National Trust in the Peak District said:

We have a huge task ahead of us to establish more trees and wooded habitats across the Peak District, including hedgerows like the one we have been planting today. That is why it is fantastic to involve more people in our work to help get the job done. The hard work of volunteers and the money raised through fundraising like the ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative will help us to achieve our ambitions and make a difference to protect nature, climate and these stunning landscapes.

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