Environmental charity Pocket Wilding, alongside hard working teams from Wild Marlow, Releaf Marlow, Marlow Wombles, Transition Town Marlow, Chiltern Rangers, and their dedicated Green Thursday volunteers, came together on December 5th, 2024, to plant approximately 120 meters of hedgerow.
This initiative, spearheaded by the charity’s co-founders—Helen Bradbury, Muryel Boulay, and Tash Somers—was a real demonstration of community unity. Over 50 enthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life, including students from Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, rallied to enhance and breathe new life into the park under the expertise of the Chiltern Ranger, Steph.
With the support of Marlow Town Council, the landowner, Pocket Wilding received a donation to help push this transformative project forward.
The newly planted hedgerows, trees, and vibrant wildflower patches are set to offer invaluable benefits not only for the environment but also for the local community, infusing the space with more life and vitality.
Pocket Wilding co-founder Muryel Boulay said, “We were absolutely thrilled with the hedge planting day and are looking forward to designing its wildlife-friendly management programme. Our vision is to cultivate a park that becomes an even more inviting, secure, and serene haven for the community to enjoy.”
As time progresses, these enhancements will cultivate a sustainable, resilient ecosystem, nurturing local wildlife while creating a serene green retreat for the residents of Marlow.
The planting of native species is vital for preserving our insect populations, which are the backbone of our ecosystem, yet the benefits of hedgerows stretch far beyond aiding insects — they support birds, amphibians, and mammals too! Lush, thriving hedgerows play a crucial role in purifying air pollutants, safeguarding soils against floods and drought, and cooling the atmosphere during those scorching hot days.
Community Spirit in Action
“We are absolutely overjoyed with the success of this event,” added Helen. “The Seymour Court Recreation Ground is already a beloved piece of Marlow, and this project embodies our collective dedication to enhancing it for generations to come. The passion and support we received from our community and partners were nothing short of inspiring!”
This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of local groups and the spirit of volunteers who braved the chilly December weather and rain to make a difference. A warm thank you goes out to individual donors, the Anson Charitable Trust, Alpkit Foundation, Marlow Town Council, local businesses including Harrow and Hope, anonymous trusts and foundations, and The Woodland Trust, who made this a reality.
You can learn more about the project at pocketwilding.co.uk/2024/11/22/nature-recovery-in-marlow-bucks/
