We met with a group from Saltley Adult Learning Centre for a day in February, planting ten large trees on Alexander Way Open Public Green Space. The centre neighbours the site, meaning that the group had valuable, informed insights into what the space could look like.
The centre offers a range of training and extracurricular courses, and this project forms part of their enrichment programme. In co-designing the planting plan for the park, the group’s decisions were discussed during a previous exploratory workshops, considering how trees might enhance and improve both the design, the social life of the park and where they should go.
Across three sessions, Katy has worked with a group from the centre to shape this planting project. Together, the group shared their connections to trees, talking about cultural traditions from around the world and their ancestral homelands.
The group then spent time reflecting on the planting site, thinking holistically about how new trees could support the space. They also took soil samples to test the pH levels.
Conversations highlighted the importance of picnicking and gathering in the area and how it currently lacks tree cover.
Together, we pondered over questions such as:
What do you like about the park? What do you find interesting about it?
What do you not like about the park? What is it missing? How could it be improved?
Who are the users of this site? How is the space being used?
Where are the trees (what are they) and where are there no trees?
How could trees be helpful here? How could they cause problems?
The planting took place soon after these planning workshops. Judas Redbud, Sophora Japonica and a Celtis australis now help to soften and hide the factory bordering the park, adding beauty while also reducing noise pollution.
Ginkgo biloba, Koelreuteria paniculata, and a few more Sophora Japonica now offer gentle shade for picnickers in the summer, whilst making sure not to block off views into the park.
The group were brilliant, working super hard and getting 4 trees in the ground together in the 1.5 hours we had together, which is impressive in the sometimes challenging Birmingham soil.
More recently, the group have been busy designing signs for the trees which talk of their involvement in the planting. The group are keen to take on ongoing care of the trees in this park almost touching their site.
We’ve loved working with the group and seeing their vision for Alexander Way Open Green Space come to life. We are looking forward to connecting in the spring to co-host tree care activity, and hopefully a picnic too!
We were also very happy to be joined by Nasreen, community connector and life long resident of Alum Rock, whose been a key partner and friend of the project last year and this year, supporting introductions and being an advocate throughout – Thank you Nasreen!