Chelmsford Star Co-operative teamed up with Chelmsford City Council on Friday 24th February at Hyland’s’ Park to host a unique tree planting event in commemoration of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The event was organised through Lyn McLay- Kidd, Senior Parks Officer, with Nicola and Astrid from the Chelmsford City Parks team looking after our group on the day.

The team at the start ready to plant!

18 volunteers including Julie and Emily from our Membership & Marketing team, Councillors, Committee members, Co-op members, Funeral Services colleagues, plus volunteers from local running club, Springfield Striders put on their wellies, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in!

Councillor Rose Moore, who attended stated “I was very happy to help, as I am passionate about the environment.”

Cllr Rose Moore getting stuck in

The event grew from an idea for Chelmsford Star Co-op to help out in the local community and address green issues. The enthusiasm was high throughout the event and with mild, dry weather and soft soil, over 700 trees were planted in around 3 hours, including Oaks, Hawthorne and pine trees. The volunteers received a free hot drink and chocolate biscuit at the end.

Opportunities are available to return next year- they are recorded on the database as planted by our group and they will form part of the Queen’s canopy project. We would love our group to come back and help with the tree aftercare for the next three years.

The team celebrates their hard work

Thank you to all the volunteers that came to help, and it was a fantastic morning spent at Hyland’s Park.

To view more photos, visit our Facebook album HERE.