Magpie Park will benefit from new trees and hedge plants, writes Kay Scoresby

A group of women stand behind a banner reading Forest Gate Women's Institute with newly planted saplings in the foreground — Forest Gate WI. Photo via Facebook

Forest Gate Women’s Institute have successfully completed an environmental and clean air project, planting a hedge that will act as a screen against carbon dioxide from cars for children and others using Forest Lane park, known locally as Magpie Park.

The WI received a Community Tree Pack, from the Woodlands Trust comprising of 30 saplings: dog wood, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, rowan and elder. These have been planted along the fence between Magpie Close and the children’s play area in Magpie Park.

The 30 small hedge saplings were delivered on 8 March and working in partnership with Tim Goldrick, the Arboricultural Services Officer from Newham Council, the ground was prepared for planting. The soil was full of nutrients thanks to the use of compost from the compost bins that volunteers from the local Magpie Project, which supports mothers and young children, have been filling over the years.

Six members of the WI – Kay, Lesley, Penny, Carol, Maureen and Sandra – planted the back row saplings on 16 March while another team of seven members – Lesley, Karen H, June, Phil, Kathy L, Jane and Adzovi – planted the front row and placed cardboard tubes to protect the sapling’s stems.

The WI hope to continue to work on similar projects with the Council and community groups in the future. The WI’s next meeting will be on 9 April at Woodgrange Infant School starting at 7 pm.

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