Planting trees

Hi readers, it’s Emily and William here talking about what I, William did today, planting trees!

I got asked by Laura at People First Dorset if I would like to help Dorchester Town Council and others dig in 600 tree whips at Kings Road Park to create a wood and improve the local environment as part of the building works at Dorset County Hospital.

I arrived at the site with my gardening stuff on to meet Laura and some of the PFD team. We were briefed on how to plant the trees by Carl who I knew, because he is one of the top bosses in the office at Dorchester Town Council, where I volunteer.

The Town Council provided spades and gloves for those who needed them and we started to dig slots in the ground, each about 6 inches deep. Some saplings had bigger roots so we had to dig deeper holes. It was fairly easy but some patches of ground were really stoney, so you’d have to find another spot.

There were also students from Employ My Ability, people from the Gap, Dorset Mind, Thomas Hardy School and Willmot Dixon, who provided the trees. The atmosphere was good and everyone worked hard! I think it’s a very good thing they are doing this because it’s a way of giving back to Dorchester, to protect the environment.

When we finished the Town council provided coffee and snacks while we all chatted. I enjoyed the morning a lot because I like being outside in the sunshine, and seeing my friends from the Town Council too. If you are passing Kings Road Playing Field, take a look out for them. I will look forward to watching them grown but don’t think any of us will see them fully grown in our lifetimes!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff.