The volunteering team and student volunteers joined together take part in a Do Good, Feel Good day of tree planting in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). The idea was born during the most recent volunteering fair, where conversations with TCV inspired the vision for a practical, hands-on conservation experience. When Ali Toner from the charity mentioned that December was the ideal time for planting (despite been a little nervous about the weather) we rose to the challenge and decided to give it a go.
With winter boots, gloves, and plenty of enthusiasm, we travelled to a nearby farm in Yarm to begin the day’s work. After a warm welcome and a thorough safety briefing, the team picked up their spades, bamboo canes, mallets, and protective casings, and got straight to planting.
Working along the planting line, we made impressive progress, planting around 700 trees and covering 140 metres. As the line of newly planted trees grew and the farm gradually disappeared, we could see just how much we had achieved.
The Conservation Volunteers is a national environmental charity dedicated to connecting people with the green spaces that support healthier, happier communities. Their work focuses on bringing people together to create, protect, and enhance natural environments.
The day was about more than planting trees. It provided a chance to meet new people, strengthen social connections, and for those studying environmental degrees, an opportunity to grow professional networks. Some of us had never planted a tree before, so we left with a newfound confidence and skill.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the experience was knowing that the group had contributed to a bigger goal. By planting young trees, we played a direct role in boosting biodiversity, supporting wildlife habitats, and contributing to efforts to tackle climate change.
We were lucky with the winter weather, a cold but bright and sunny day. When the taxi arrived to take the group home, no one was quite ready to stop. The sense of teamwork, communication, and shared purpose created a memorable and meaningful volunteering experience.
The Do-Good, Feel-Good Tree Planting Day showcased what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal. It was a day of learning, connection, and environmental action and one that has left a lasting impact on both the landscape and those who took part.
To find out more about The Conservation Volunteers, take a look at their profile here.
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