Volunteers from across the UK regions came together in Bedford to plant trees and create a Tiny Forest. We all gathered in early morning at the Bedford Sai Centre and sang prayers and bhajans. Then we went to the Tree Planting area at 10 in the morning. We were joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire – Susan Lousada (who represents our King). We had UK Council members join us and we also had Tristan Addo (who is an Arboriculture officer from Bedford Borough Council) and Jo Roberts (Park Ranger) to show us how to plant trees.
First, we were shown on what to do by Tristan, then the volunteers working in small groups, dug, planted trees and filled the hole with soil and mulch (which has nutrient for the soil and we added vibutti). By the end of the day, with volunteers working together we managed to plant 1600 trees.
It was hard work but totally worthwhile to see the result and we had lots of fun. The great thing about this forest is that it our Forest and we have the sole responsibility of maintaining it. Local volunteers will ensure the young samplings receive enough water but there will be a need to visit the site twice a year for weeding the ground which will help trees grow. So, this is an ongoing project, and there will be announcements made nearer the time for other volunteers to engage in the project. One of the best things about this project is that we will have our very own organisational banner on site to identify that this a Sathya Sai Tiny Forest.