Families plant trees in new Shinfield community garden

Parents, grandparents and carers gathered in Shinfield on Saturday 31 October to plant trees celebrating the birth or adoption of their children and grandchildren, as part of the University of Reading’s new Tree for Life Garden initiative.

Located on The Ridge, near Alder Grove Primary School, the garden was created by the University in partnership with local charity Freely Fruity. Each of the 36 trees planted marks a young person living in Shinfield, and the garden will provide new habitat for local wildlife.

Families who were allocated a tree after the scheme opened in the summer joined University staff and Freely Fruity volunteers to plant their trees by hand.

The scheme began when local resident, Alex Faulkner, asked if a tree could be planted to commemorate the birth of his son. The University developed the idea into a garden for the community, offering 36 trees to families with a child under 11, or due to be born in 2026, living in Shinfield. 

Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families coming together to plant their trees. The Tree for Life Garden is about more than the trees themselves. We want children to grow up alongside their tree, learn about the wildlife it supports and feel a real sense of ownership of their local environment. Thank you to everyone who came along and to Freely Fruity for their support.”

Shinfield resident, Alex Faulkner said: “Our son is now 4 years old and helped dig the hole and plant the tree. He can't wait to go and visit and look after the tree; especially in the spring and summer when the family will go for many picnics in the beautiful countryside adjacent to the area.”

Each tree will be marked on a public information board next to the garden for families who asked for their names to be included. Families who requested one also received a certificate marking the planting.

The University funded the scheme in full. A £5 donation was requested for each tree, with all donations going to Freely Fruity to support its work in the local area.