We were saddened to hear that Jane Plant died in December after being hit by a car while on a zebra crossing just north of North Millfields. Some of us had got to know her very well; she was active in the Millfields User Group: on the Committee; making a map of all the park furniture and discussing furniture options; planting bluebell bulbs in the new mini-woodlands; supporting events like the Tree Circle Cinema and the plant sale; and she was involved with the Tree Musketeers and tree planting. Those of us who knew Jane knew a funny, friendly, forthright woman who, as a former tree warden for 20 years, was extremely knowledgeable about plants and trees. She will be very much missed. 

In December we planted an oak in memory of Jane with her husband, her daughter and her family, in a newly created glade in the new woodland strip at the north end of the Cricketfield.

Over 1600 whips (small bare-rooted trees) were planted by volunteers in December to create a woodland strip across the north end (Lea Bridge Road end) of the Cricketfield. The three days planting attracted around 150 volunteers who planted a mix of native trees including: hazel; spindle; hawthorn; dogwood; blackthorn; and wild cherry. Many birds have since been seen feeding in this area including mistle thrushes (red list), starlings (red list), goldfinches, and great tits.

We also helped plant 5000 heritage English bluebells in the native tree biome on Millfields park made by Tree Musketeers volunteers. English bluebells, a protected part of ancient woodlands, will provide a spring source of wild pollen and nectar for native bees and other park pollinators. Dead wood loggeries have also been added to the park to provide nesting sites for solitary bees.