Unpublished Article

Articles and photos aren't always used in the final draft: these shots were taken for the Spring issue for the Neighbors' Paper, but didn't end up being used that time. Although this wasn't the final version, it was the original from which the article was based... my first ever written article as an editor!

From trees a community grows!
 
Instead of waiting in line for your own allotment, why not adopt a tree for your family and your community?

Blondin Park Nature Reserve, established in 1997, is supported in its development and management by the Friends of Blondin Park, a voluntary group in partnership with Ealing Parks and Countryside Service.  Over a twelve year period, the Friends of Blondin Park have worked in association with Ealing’s Ranger Service to improve Blondin Park and Nature area, organizing many community events.  Thanks to an Ealing Council initiative award of £30,000 by the Northfields Ward Forum in 2009, constant improvements are made to the area.

On 21st November 2010, around 100 people turned up and organized the planting of 75 trees such as apple, plum, pear, fig, and olive within Blondin Park Nature Reserve and the surrounding Park. The new project was funded by the Forestry Commissions Community Grant Scheme. Rob Russell, a member of the Friends of Blondin Park, spoke enthusiastically about the event: ‘I really enjoyed it. By taking the time to participate, I really felt part of the local community’.  The Community Payback scheme was also involved in this project.

You still have the opportunity to join!  Haslemere Wildlife Nature Reserve will be the next event and volunteers are required for Sunday 27th March 2011 at 11.00 a.m. to help plant 23 fruit trees which may involve some slight clearing of the site. Tools will be available but feel free to bring your own if you wish. Refreshments will be provided (possibly a bbq) and there will be a portable toilet on site sponsored by the Friends of Haslemere for your convenience.  Some interesting specimens have been selected for those that know their apples, pears, and cherries.  Come along to this tree planting day and help bring a real community together!

For more information about the Friends of Blondin Park follow this link.