In honour of National Tree Week 2022, Rich-Fenn-Griffin, Loughborough University’s arborist has written a second guest blog for us, this time on the tree necklaces that have been placed around campus…

Why were the tree necklaces produced?

The tree necklaces were introduced following a request from Jo Shields, the former Sustainability Manager.  She had seen a similar scheme (in Manchester, we believe) and loved how it promoted their trees and the role they play in delivering healthy ecosystems.  Consequently, she asked the Gardens Team if we could do the same for some of our ‘trees of interest.’

Why were these species picked?

The species were picked by Kaz Setchell (Gardens Manager), Rachel Senior (Assistant Gardens Manager), Mark Hillman (Senior Arborist) and Helen Exley (Arborist).  Species that were deemed of ‘interest’ were ones that had ‘stories’ to tell.  These might be historical, aesthetic, or regarding their value to biodiversity or ecosystem services.  Whilst all our tree species are special we’ve hopefully managed to pick out the ones with important messages about how we manage our world.

Where did the wood come from and who produced the necklaces?

The wood is from a campus oak.  It has been lost in the annals of time why the tree needed to be felled, although memories seem to recollect that storm damage might have been the culprit.  The necklaces were produced with no budget and all work was goodwill.  The University joiners sliced and planed the wood.  Rachel Senior (Assistant Gardens Manager) provided the words with the help of Mark Hillman (Senior Arborist).  Helen Exley (Arborist) wrote the words on the necklaces and varnished them.

What are your hopes in terms of public engagement, for having the necklaces made?

In terms of public engagement – it’s as simple as we wanted to inform people a little more about some of the trees as they walked across campus.  There are 15 trees dotted around all parts of the campus apart from Holywell Park.  There is no specific route to visit the trees – you just happen upon them. 

Will there be more tree necklaces to go up?

Possibly, although the Gardens team are considering lots of different ways of engaging campus users in the story of our trees.  We will keep everyone informed to as and when future developments take place.

Where are they?

Find the campus tree necklace map below to explore for yourselves!

This article is in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. To read more click here.