Tree record attempt

ALL yours . . . Cliff Ellison (left), of Groundwork, receives donated trees from Edward Redican, from the All-In-One Garden Centre

Oldham could become a world record holder after a tree-planting race at Fullwood Nature Reserve in Sholver.

Fifty native British trees have been donated to Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale to help break the world record for the most trees planted in an hour.

The saplings, donated by the All-in-One garden centre in Rochdale, will be planted on Saturday from 11am as part of National Tree Week and the BBC Breathing Places Tree O’Clock world record attempt. Local residents, volunteers and staff from Groundwork will be joined by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle.

The attempt is being organised by graduate volunteers taking part in Groundwork's “V Challenge” programme, which equips graduates with project management skills while benefiting communities.

All-In-One has nominated Groundwork as its local charity and already donates a tree to the charity for every tree sold at its Rochdale centre.

To get involved in the Fullwood event, contact Groundwork on 0161-624 1444.



The record bid is taking place across the country on Saturday as part of National Tree Week.



Oldham Council is holding a special event at Crompton Moor, with just over 100 trees bought for the occasion.

The record currently stands at 653,143 trees planted in multiple locations in one hour.

Councillor Rod Blyth, cabinet member for people and communities, said: “This is an excellent event and I hope that we can do our bit to beat the current record. This event will also have an impact on Crompton Moor for many years to come with the provision of new trees.”

The trees — a combination of holly, oak, rowan and hawthorn — are all species suitable for an upland area like Crompton Moor.

Everyone is welcome to attend and help out on the day, however there is a walk from the car park to the planting site which is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The planting party is meeting at Brushes Clough car park, off Buckstones Road, in Shaw at 10.30am to give time to walk up to the site to start planting from 11am to 12 noon.