This page tells you all about the vitally important role that tree keepers perform for Tothill Park and how you too can
become a tree keeper.
Trees are a vital part of the backdrop to the park. Not only do they combat the effect of greenhouse gases and
provide food and shelter for 1000's of birds, insects and other wildlife, but they also give the park character
and define the space in the park.
Trees are important for all these reasons and more but, as the parks trees age, they die off and need replacing.
In addition, the Fotp would like to plant more trees but this can be a very expensive business and, as the need
for new trees increases, so does the cost. As a way of reducing the costs, Rob (site webmaster) has donated
56 saplings of various types to be planted in the park when they are of a sufficient size.
These saplings, when together in the same place, take up a considerable amount of room and consequently we rely
on our tree keepers to take a small number of these saplings each and nurture and grow them until they are ready for planting.
By spreading them out in this way we also reduce the risk of damage and disease meaning that more trees are likely to reach maturity.
Looking after these saplings is easy and requires no more effort than looking after a pot plant. All we ask is that you take
one, two or three saplings to keep outdoors at home. Maybe you could keep them in your garden or back yard or maybe just outside the
back door. It is, of course, up to you where you keep them but we ask that you look after and keep them safe until they are five or six years
old when they will be large enough to plant out in the park. This means repotting them on a yearly basis from the three inch pots
they are currently in up to nine or twelve inch points in 2012. Some of the saplings may well be ready earlier than this but it's
difficult to tell until they have grown!
All we are looking for then is someone who has a little room to spare in their garden or back yard, is willing to spend an hour or two
each year repotting the sapling and has a few pounds to buy the pots and growing medium needed. In return you will be rewarded
with the knowledge that, when the tree is planted, every time you see it in the park, you can tell people that it's 'your' tree!
If you think that you would like to become a tree keeper, please fill in the form below and someone from the Fotp committee will contact you shortly.
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