Rooting for nature as 3,500 trees planted at new Pendle community hub
Colne residents and school students came together to plant 3,500 trees and help launch a new community nature hub in Pendle.
The ReWild Yourself Community Hub aims to boost biodiversity, improve access to nature and support the health and wellbeing of local people.
Students and staff from SS John Fisher and Thomas More and Pendle View Primary Special School joined community volunteers for the planting event, which was led by Voice for Nature Foundation alongside planting partner SUGi.
SUGi uses the Miyawaki method, a dense planting technique designed to create fast-growing urban forests and restore biodiversity.
“This is about more than planting trees,” said Katie McLaurin. “It’s about growing a living space where people and nature can thrive together; a legacy of well-being, connection, and care for our environment and communities.”
The new ERANDA Forest includes native species such as English Oak, Silver Birch, Cherry and Field Maple, with organisers saying the site will help increase biodiversity and reduce air pollution in the area.
The hub is expected to become a long-term outdoor learning and community space, with local schools using it for conservation activities and nature-based education.
Paul Dugdale said the project would give students “real life engagement” with conservation, biodiversity and forest activities.
He added: “All 850 of our current students will be able to experience this fantastic learning opportunity, and future students will see this develop over the years to come.”
Fran Clayton said the accessible outdoor space would help support learning, communication and sensory regulation for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
She said: “Our pupils will be helping to create an exciting outdoor learning opportunity which will not only help to support learning but also engagement, communication and sensory regulation.”
Organisers say the hub will act as a free community space for schools, local groups and residents to connect with nature and take part in future activities.
Supported by The ERANDA Rothschild Foundation, the forest was planted in memory of Sir Evelyn de Rothschild.
The Pendle hub is the second of three UK ReWild Yourself Community Hubs planned with support from the foundation, following the first planting in Bilborough, Nottingham, in autumn 2025.