Heaton Park

In October 2008 Heaton Park was the site of Manchester's first ever Tree-Athlon. 450 runners took part, raising vital funds for Trees for Cities' work in Manchester and around the world. Hundreds more people came to cheer them on, and to enjoy the Tree Party organised by Manchester City Council - a festival of all things "trees", including willow weaving and axe demonstrations.

Those not already exhausted by the 5km run even made it over to the north side of the park and together planted 140 whips, donated by Triple Velvet.

On 6 and 7 Feb 2009 we were back at Heaton Park to plant a further 700 whips. Snow that had been covering the park all week thankfully melted away on Thursday afternoon, meaning children from Bowker Vale Primary School were able to join us on the Friday to get the planting underway. As an added treat, our Manchester partners Red Rose Forest had chartered the Heaton Park train to transport the children to the planting site, much to their great excitement!

Over 20 volunteers from TfC's Plant Your Future programme for 16 to 25 year olds then came along on Saturday to complete the job.

Trees for Cities relies on donations in order to deliver projects like the Heaton Park Project. Please consider supporting our project work by making a donation or buying a community gift.