Pedals, Passion, Tree Planting and Beyond: Reflections on the Fund4Trees Two-Day Bike Ride

On the 10th and 11th September 2025, 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 trustees. The Birmingham Tree People were also key partners in the event with also support from the Arb. Association (AA).

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 research (1) 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 with the 125km route: well attended and well supported.

We met with community groups and schoolchildren, where the Worcester City Council Tree Team delivered a superb oak MEWP re-pollarding demonstration. Together with help from John Parker (AA: 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 gifted Oscar Tree education pack from Mark Chester. Their teacher summed it 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 a £5k research to F4T. And credit must go to G&T who provided facilities and a support vehicle for the event. Louis, 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, “we were like drowned rats.”

Day Two was a more social 20km ride around east Birmingham, but no less meaningful.

We joined local school groups from Tame Valley Academy and St Gerards Primary including the CAFLO Community Centre, with further F4T workshops to demonstrate mulching and highlight why young trees need our attention long after planting. Neil Davies AA Chair joined us and was fully engaged with pupils putting mulch donuts around the young trees.

Among the riders were some standout moments:

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 to Alistair for funding the drone-footage.
And perhaps the day’s greatest feat: Simon N’Jie, who completed both days — 145km in total — without any training whatsoever. Apparently two rounds of golf a week was his version of cycle prep!

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, whether it’s through conversation or the rousing Grow Tree Grow haka, is something special. 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.