Pedals, passion, tree planting and beyond
Reflections on Fund4Trees’ two-day bike ride
Simon Rotheram
On 10th–11th September, I had the privilege of joining the Fund4Trees (F4T) Urban Tree Life Cycle (UTLC) two-day charity cycle, an event that was planned and executed with typical precision and enthusiasm by Russell Ball and the rest of the charity’s trustees.
Day one and ready to roll. Only 125 km to go – and then 20 km on Day Two!
D. Brasington (2025). Evaluation of the Success of Urban Tree Planting in England between 2012 and 2022. Fund4Trees. Access via www.fund4trees.org.uk/
The Birmingham Tree People were key partners in the event, which was also supported by the Arboricultural Association.
Over two days we cycled, laughed, got soaked, raised awareness and strengthened the message about the critical importance of aftercare for newly planted trees. Recent F4T-funded research1 highlights that as many as 60% of young trees suffer from improper maintenance (i.e. drought stress, mower/strimmer damage or strangling tree-ties). This ride was about shining a light on that issue, while bringing together arborists, supporters, schools and communities in a way that only Fund4Trees can.
On Day One, a round trip from Birmingham to Worcester, legs and lungs were tested by the 125-km route, and events were well attended and well supported. We met community groups and schoolchildren in Worcester where the City Council’s Tree Team delivered a superb oak re-pollarding demonstration. Together with help from John Parker, the Association’s CEO, we planted a succession oak, a living symbol of what can be achieved with teamwork and aftercare. This was all part of a F4T interactive workshop with children from Cherry Orchard Primary School, with a gift of an Oscar Tree education pack from Mark Chester. Their teacher summed up the event perfectly: ‘The children will not forget this for a long time!’
As part of the UTLC, Nurture and Gristwood & Toms (G&T) donated £5k to F4T for research. And credit must go to G&T who provided facilities and a support vehicle for the event. Louis Deeley, their Regional Manager, followed the peloton throughout, a welcome sight with refreshments, dry clothing and morale-boosting encouragement as the rain swept in – sometimes sideways! As Russell put it when we finally rolled in at the end of the day, ‘We were like drowned rats.’
John Parker, Arb Association CEO, leading tree planting with children from Cherry Orchard Primary School, Worcester.
Worcester City Council’s Tree Team delivered a superb oak re-pollarding demonstration.
Pitching in to mulch trees newly planted trees in Birmingham.
Day Two was a more social 20-km ride around east Birmingham, but no less meaningful. We joined local groups from Tame Valley Academy, St Gerard’s Primary and the CAFLO Community Centre to run F4T workshops to demonstrate mulching and highlight why young trees need our attention long after planting. Neil Davies, the Association’s Chair, joined us and helped pupils put mulch donuts around the young trees.
Among the riders there were some standout moments and special mentions go to:
- Mick ‘Traffic Marshal’ Boddy, who ensured cars and cyclists got along.
- Simon Cox, the indispensable pacemaker who probably clocked more miles than anyone else thanks to a few ‘creative detours’.
- Alistair ‘Derailer Failer’ Bayford, who managed about 10 metres out of the Lickey Hills car park before his bike gave up entirely. Thanks are due to Alistair for funding the drone footage (see the link at the end of this article).
- Simon N’Jie, for perhaps the event’s greatest feat: he completed both days – 145 km in total – without any training whatsoever. Apparently two rounds of golf a week was his version of cycle prep!
- Andy ‘Calves’ Poynter, who maintained the pace to lead the team home.
Events like this are more than miles on the road.
They are about education, camaraderie, and ensuring the next generation understands the importance of caring for trees beyond the moment of planting.
Personally, it was inspiring to share the journey with so many dedicated people, friendships were made that I’m sure will last into future rides. But the true credit belongs to Russell Ball. His energy is boundless, his passion infectious and his ability to engage people is something special, whether it’s through conversation or the rousing ‘Grow Tree, Grow’ chant and its accompanying actions. Russell makes sure everyone, from riders to schoolchildren, feels part of the mission.
I’m already looking forward to the next ride, and I would urge anyone reading this to support F4T however you can.
Whether you get on a bike, sponsor a rider or simply spread the message, every effort makes a difference to the survival of young trees and the growth of our industry.
Find out more at: www.fund4trees.org.uk/
Watch the video at: www.youtu.be/CyQuUzZzbDw?feature=shared
Simon Rotheram is a Trustee of the Arboricultural Association and Managing Director of Beechwood Trees & Landscape Ltd.
This article was taken from Issue 211 Winter 2025 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.