National Tree Week at the end of November marks the start of the annual tree planting season. We were pleased to participate in three events to mark the occasion. Jess Stocks, Enable’s tree officer for Wandsworth Common, led one of her ever-popular tree walks, enjoying this year’s spectacular autumn colour and hunting out some of our rarer trees, such as the pagoda tree (sophora japonica) as well as old favourites like the lime, ash and silver birch. There were two tree planting events; one in early December, attended by Honeywell School’s eco committee, who helped plant a Scots pine and an alder, both suited to the boggy conditions near the 3-island pond. We were also proud to receive a gift from the Council of a field maple (acer campestre) ‘in recognition of the dedication and commitment shown by the volunteers who are part of the MAC and Friends groups’. Go take a look at ‘our tree’ next to Skylark (pictured) and keep an eye on it.

Later that day, at the MAC’s bi-monthly meeting, retiring chairman George Meakin, received a gift (pictured) in appreciation of his three year leadership which has seen the formation of the Friends, the publication of the first Management Plan in 40 years, and the setting up of the Neal’s Lodge Community Project, to help find a use for the building that has been empty for over a decade. George remains MAC vice chair and treasurer of the Friends.

At the end of the month our Heritage group heard an interesting talk from Janet Smith of the Tooting History Group about the lessons learned from implementing heritage projects under their Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Janet’s entertaining and useful talk will come in very useful as we get closer to applying for some serious grant funding next year.