Wing Parish Council & the Volunteers of the Spinney have always been so supportive of Tales and Trails. When I approached them back in 2019 with the vision of opening a little forest school, they quickly gave me the green light.
I was encouraged to volunteer in the Spinney. I say “encouraged” because yes, the council suggested I joined since I was enjoying this beautiful space for my sessions. Only fair, right?
At first, I wondered how on earth I could make it work. Running Tales and Trails and Your path (my wellbeing business), being a mum of 2, running a house… and trying to make space for my wellbeing, it took some organising.
So I started crossing the first Wednesday afternoon of the month in my diary off. It’s easy to forget otherwise and let’s be honest, I have booked the odd coaching or reiki appointments in because sometimes, it just has to be that way. But overall, I really try to keep that one afternoon a month off.
Time is something you have to create. You will never have time to volunteer. It’s a choice you have to take if that’s something you feel drawn to.
The next big hurdle was admitting that I was a little scared if I’m honest. What on earth could I do to help? I don’t know how to manage woodlands! Guess what, all that mattered is that I wanted to make a difference. I ask questions, lots of questions. And here’s the key… asking questions lead to so many great conversations.
First, I learnt lots of new skills, which helped my confidence but most importantly, I’m gaining a much better understanding on what’s being done. In the past, I’d walk around and wondered why some trees had been felled, why reeds had been cleared out of the pond, why an area is kept mowed, not another… My concerns were all legit. So let’s talk (rather than moan online) Volunteering opened a dialogue, where opinions are being expressed and decisions are taken together. We all bring something to the table.
I am so excited about everything that is happening in the Spinney and next to it. It’s easy to focus on all that goes bad in the world at the moment but there are also lots of beautiful projects everywhere and Wing is no exception! I’m sure you have seen the article below in the Leighton Observer. It’s really wonderful and this is only a restricted representation of what has been happening over the last few years.
Thousands more trees were planted in and around the Spinney prior to the newly added land. The local Scouts got involved, local Duke of Edinburgh students and let’s not forget us, Tales and Trails! We planted nearly 400 saplings last year. A morning to cherish forever involving all the children and their families.
But here is the reality, when you plant a sapling, it doesn’t guarantee that the tree will live. It will take more hands and time to clear the guards twice a year, to make sure they can reach enough light and have enough space to grow.
“Why do they plant the saplings so close to each other?” Again, I got the answer to this when I started volunteering. We know not all trees aren’t going to survive so we take natural selection into account. So that means we have to plant more and that we have to look after those we planted… it’s an ongoing task for the first few years of these saplings.
If, like me, you are enjoying the Spinney, we’d love to welcome you one day soon. Come and be a part of our conversations.
The volunteers of the Spinney gather every month:
*every first Wednesday afternoon
*every first Sunday afternoon
During the winter hours, it’s 1-4-p.m. As soon as the clocks changes to summertime, it’s between 2-5p.m.
There’s a job for everyone. Earlier this month, the lovely Jane and I spent most of the afternoon splitting snowdrops to spread them out (I had never done it before), cutting plastic bands restricting growing trees and clearing paths with secateurs whilst others cut back brambles to allow the undergrowth to arise.
Volunteering has given me so much more that I thought… I started thinking I was doing a good deed, I quickly realised it’s so much more!
Message me if you want to know more or join us one day.
