Duncan’s story: Growing a sense of community from an empty field

I’ve been a volunteer with Colne Valley Tree Society for 15 years. After work, getting outside in the fresh air is relaxing and helps with positive mental health.

I was involved in creating a woodland in Marsden commemorating lives lost in WW1, which I thought was something really worthwhile. It was a team effort with the Secretary and Chair of the society, the Woodland Trust and the White Rose Forest. There was also a partnership with the land owner Yorkshire Water.

As a volunteer I wanted to create a viewing point but that was unsuccessful. The tree planting however progressed and a “Trees in Mind” group formed resulting in poetry workshops and wall plaques linking to World War One.

I had frustrations in being unable to complete the viewing point. Things like this can be complicated, time consuming and burdensome for a volunteer.

But teamwork, partnerships and helpful people, getting people on board, enthusiasm and a sense of pride all count toward a growing sense of community.

The Tree Society even got some kudos with some TV coverage.

The society meet and plant trees. There can be up to 30 people meeting on a Saturday.

There are successes and outcomes – from an empty field to one full of trees – it’s really satisfying. It feels marvellous.

Find out more

Colne Valley Tree Society – facebook group

Colne Valley Tree Society – blog

Find a volunteering role – TSL Kirklees Volunteering

---

Thank you to Duncan for sharing this story after participating in one of our “How can more people come together to make local places better?” online workshops for Kirklees citizens.