Students and staff recently collaborated to plant 420 saplings near the Fferm Penglais playing field.
Building upon the success of least years tree planting action afternoon (read more about that here), student took to the field to do some more planting!
Students and staff recently collaborated to plant 420 saplings near the Fferm Penglais playing field. The following saplings were planted to support local wildlife:
- Hazel trees provide food for small mammals such as dormice and squirrels as well as various species of birds.
- Silver birch provides food and habitat for more than 300 insects species. Woodpeckers and other hole-nesting birds often nest in the trunk.
- Rowan provides bright red berries in the autumn which are rich source of food for birds, especially the blackbird, mistle thrush, redstart, redwing, song thrush, fieldfare and waxwing.
- Common Oak supports more life than any other native tree, a fully grown oak tree supports a thousand species. It also produces one of the hardest and most durable timbers on the planet.
- Hawthorn flowers can be striking white, a gentle pink or sometimes red and develop into vibrant oval berries. These fruits provide food for many small birds and insects.
- Blackthorn foliage is a great food source for caterpillars and birds often nest among these dense thickets. In autumn, the tree produces sloes which act as a food source for the birds.
The hands-on experience included reclaiming old tree stakes and guards, training volunteers in effective planting techniques, and litter picking the site to keep it clean and tidy for wildlife.
The initiative aimed to empower participants with practical knowledge, fostering a shared sense of responsibility. As they planted saplings, students grasped the long-term impact on the local ecosystem and the planet.
Beyond volunteering, the event strengthened community bonds among students, staff, and partner organisations, creating a network committed to environmental stewardship. Educational components highlighted trees' role in climate change mitigation, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity.
The successful event left volunteers feeling accomplished, setting the stage for future similar action days. A big thank you to all attendees; your assistance made it all possible. If you’d like to get involved sign up as a volunteer here to be notified of future volunteering opportunities.
Special thanks to the Aberystwyth University Sustainability Team, Accommodation Team, and Balfour Beatty for their support, alongside the Woodland Trust for the tree pack.
Diolch yn fawr // Thank you!