The chairman of a Nottingham community group has spoken out about an appeal to save trees in a ‘brilliant’ Nottingham park that’s loved by many. The independent charity are asking for donations equivalent to the ‘the price of a pint.’
Friends of Gedling Country park was formed in 2014. The park opened in 2015.
The community group are hoping to raise £6,000 which will be matched by British Airways and Arriva to buy more mature trees. Gedling Country Park is located on the former Gedling Colliery site, with many of the trees reaching the end of their natural life span.
Are you a true Nottinghamian? Test your knowledge
The community group kindly asks for people to donate what they can. Over the next decade starting from August 2023, the community group wants to plant a variety of British broadleaf trees.
Terry Lock, chairman of the Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “The worst case scenario is that we have to go with whatever we’ve raised, we’ve offered companies certificates in return for their help but the main thing is: times are hard but we’re doing this for future families and children to ensure the park remains.
“Any tree cut down, will be replaced with a more mature tree or whip.” There are over 100 members of the community group that give annual support.
Terry continued: “We need trees to encourage insects and bees, bees pollinate flowers and without them [bees] we’re in a mess. Without trees, there'll be no oxygen in the long term.”
The local council has been supportive towards the community group however, they are not responsible for any improvements made on the park. This isn’t the first time the community group have had to fundraise; around £45,000 was raised to make improvements to the children’s play area on the park.
Terry added: “Watering is a problem - there is no natural source of water that happens without rain, there are lagoons in the park but the park is dependent on rainfall, there are three major lagoons in the park but they aren’t big.
“Rangers water what they can on a regular basis but there’s a limit to what rangers and volunteers can do.
“The park here is brilliant, the toilets are nice and clean, the cafe staff are great and I get quotes from runners all the time saying that this is the best park for running because it isn’t flat, it provides a challenge. We’re delighted with any donations we receive, it could be the price of a pint, a mature tree can cost anywhere between £60-£100.”
Park goers shared their thoughts on the fundraiser. Callum March, 44, lives in Arnold.
He said: “I come here all the time, on a day like this when it’s sunny or I’ve walked the dog in the rain before. The views are great and it’s just nice to get some fresh air.”
Callum, who is self-employed, continued: “I always get chatting to other dog walkers when I’m here too or bump into a mate at the car park.”
So far, the Crowdfunder has raised thousands of pounds for new trees. Ellie Mae, 22 walks her dog in the park, regularly.
Ellie who is a sales assistant said: “I come here all the time to walk my dog and sometimes get a drink in the cafe too, it’s a very clean and well looked after park. I hope that the money needed for new trees is raised, I think there'll be a strong number of people willing to support the cause including myself.”
To support the Friends of Gedling Country Park's fundraiser click here.
READ NEXT:
- Anger over Nottinghamshire park that is not 'well-maintained' - but locals still have to pay for
- Mum scarred for life after 'violent' crash on smart motorway
- Nottingham independent food store in popular city centre location 'closing down'
- 'Dangerous runaway' lorry driver fails to stop in dramatic A1 police chase
