Community Engagement

At Sharon Hosegood Associates we believe that the best way to ensure that treescapes are sustainable is to work with the community. Understanding how local people live with local trees can help our local authority clients tailor effective tree strategies. Volunteering in a wood and community garden is so much more than changing the landscape. It can change lives.
Our recent involvement alongside the Anderson Group and London and Quadrant Homes in the major re-development of Erith Quarry, in which we have organised a programme involving tree surgeons, ecologists, specialist wood carvers, (not to mention quite a lot of thinking outside of the traditional 'box'),  has created a feeling of community for the area hitherto not seen, as it involves many schoolchildren working with the arisings of the felled trees, and creating carvings from them that they will see in the future. As Jeff Higley carving expert said  -

“I’ve had (a) wonderful few days. I really believe that teaching pupils about the importance of sustainability and looking after the environment, where we can, is essential.

“It’s fantastic to see large developments like The Quarry putting sustainability at the heart of what they are creating and prioritising the environment when providing homes in the community.”

Children have also planted trees on the site which will be there for years. A specially crafted zylophone will be in the corridor of the main play area.  The quarry is set to launch in summer 2017, and will include the new school, Lime Wood Free School, and will include 600 new homes, including 400 family houses and 130 apartments.
Please click here for the link to the carving video
Please click here for the tree planting video

People, Communities, and the Construction Industry

In a recent project for Telford Homes PLC, 20 trees were planted by local schoolchildren in an area designated for woodland on a live site in Islington. The children learnt about trees, saw a construction site in action and were actively involved in planting a woodland of the future, on their doorstep.

A fun event for all concerned, this was a cost-effective way to show considerate construction in a new light. Sharon has over 25 years experience of delivering community tree planting and woodland management projects.

Broomfield Hospital Woodlands and Gardens

Sharon had been working on this project at her previous consultancy for six years.

The two woodlands have been managed for ecological, landscape and community benefits. It has been carried out thanks to volunteers and grants (primarily from the Forestry Commission).

Details are found on "http://nhsforest.org/broomfield-hospital-woodlands"nhsforest.org/broomfield-hospital-woodlands

This project has been extended to community fruit and vegetable gardens, working closely with City of Chelmsford Mencap.

Nominated in both the Essex Biodiversity Awards and Excellent Community Engagement by NHS Forest, the project has gained Green Flag and Green Apple awards too. It was on the Health Sector Journal ‘Highly Commended’ award list in 2013.