Volunteers celebrate breaking tree-planting record

Volunteers are celebrating after breaking their own record for tree planting in a single season.

Each year, Stroud Valleys Project (SVP) in Gloucestershire plants trees to support national and regional environmental targets.

Founded in 1988, SVP works with communities and organisations throughout the district to improve green spaces and protect habitats.

In the 2022/23 season, the team planted 6,000 trees and hedgerow plants. The following year, they increased that number to 8,500 but between November 2024 and March 2025, they managed 19,139 trees.

"We're incredibly proud of all the trees we've planted throughout Stroud and the surrounding towns and villages," said Clare Mahdiyone, SVP's CEO.

"Not only have we exceeded our target, we think it's fair to say we absolutely smashed it."

She credited project officer Stuart Roweth for helping the team reach their ambitious goal.

"Trees are fundamental to human life - they give off the air we need to breathe," said Mr Roweth.

"In this particular moment in time, it's even more important because we are suffering from a group of threats to human life and biodiversity and trees can help with that to some extent.

"Having said that - you can't just plant trees wherever you want. A woodland or hedgegrow can be really effective - but not in the wrong place," he explained.

Volunteers worked in all weather conditions, planting trees and hedgerows at sites including the Fromebridge canal development, two playing fields in Nailsworth, a community farm near Painswick, and land in Sapperton.

"We choose our trees with great care so they suit each specific ecosystem," Ms Mahdiyone added.

"We also plant plenty of hedgerow, which is vital for creating varied natural habitats and sustainable green corridors."

SVP said the trees planted will help provide homes for birds, small mammals, and invertebrates, as well as reduce soil erosion, mitigate flooding, and capture carbon, contributing to climate resilience in the region.

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