Ep 239 - Community Woods with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees
Sat Jan 31 2026
Keywords
tree planting, community engagement, climate action, Avon Needs Trees, sustainable practices, tree care, volunteerism, Echo Wood, environmental awareness, biodiversity
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Wem speaks with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees about the importance of community tree planting and care. Susan shares her journey from academia to horticulture, highlighting the mission of Avon Needs Trees in combating climate change through woodland creation. They discuss the significance of community involvement, sustainable practices in tree care, and the emotional aspects of confronting climate change. The conversation also touches on the innovative Echo Wood project, which aims to create a living artwork through tree planting, and the importance of fostering connections with nature.
Takeaways
Susan Barker transitioned from academia to horticulture due to stress and a desire to work with nature.
Avon Needs Trees focuses on creating permanent woodlands to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Community engagement is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives.
Sustainable tree care practices are essential for the long-term health of planted trees.
Volunteers play a significant role in tree planting and care, fostering a sense of ownership.
Echo Wood is a living artwork project that involves planting 365 trees in a circular design.
Emotional well-being is supported through active participation in environmental initiatives.
The organization emphasizes the importance of local actions in response to global climate issues.
Conversations about climate change should balance despair with hope and actionable steps.
The survival rate of trees planted by Avon Needs Trees is impressively high, averaging around 93%.
Sound bites
"The tree care is so meditative."
"We want to have those conversations."
"It's the little things that citizens do that matter."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Avon Needs Trees and Susan Barker
07:39 Susan's Journey from Academia to Horticulture
12:46 The Birth of Avon Needs Trees
18:49 Land Acquisition and Community Engagement
25:09 Tree Planting and Care Practices
29:43 The Challenges of Tree Planting
30:50 Creating a Community Woodland
32:27 Survival Rates and Long-Term Care
34:50 Engaging the Community
41:44 Introducing Echo Wood
49:22 Confronting Climate Change Emotionally
01:00:21 Pod Cat.mp4
More
Keywords tree planting, community engagement, climate action, Avon Needs Trees, sustainable practices, tree care, volunteerism, Echo Wood, environmental awareness, biodiversity Summary In this engaging conversation, Wem speaks with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees about the importance of community tree planting and care. Susan shares her journey from academia to horticulture, highlighting the mission of Avon Needs Trees in combating climate change through woodland creation. They discuss the significance of community involvement, sustainable practices in tree care, and the emotional aspects of confronting climate change. The conversation also touches on the innovative Echo Wood project, which aims to create a living artwork through tree planting, and the importance of fostering connections with nature. Takeaways Susan Barker transitioned from academia to horticulture due to stress and a desire to work with nature. Avon Needs Trees focuses on creating permanent woodlands to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Community engagement is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives. Sustainable tree care practices are essential for the long-term health of planted trees. Volunteers play a significant role in tree planting and care, fostering a sense of ownership. Echo Wood is a living artwork project that involves planting 365 trees in a circular design. Emotional well-being is supported through active participation in environmental initiatives. The organization emphasizes the importance of local actions in response to global climate issues. Conversations about climate change should balance despair with hope and actionable steps. The survival rate of trees planted by Avon Needs Trees is impressively high, averaging around 93%. Sound bites "The tree care is so meditative." "We want to have those conversations." "It's the little things that citizens do that matter." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Avon Needs Trees and Susan Barker 07:39 Susan's Journey from Academia to Horticulture 12:46 The Birth of Avon Needs Trees 18:49 Land Acquisition and Community Engagement 25:09 Tree Planting and Care Practices 29:43 The Challenges of Tree Planting 30:50 Creating a Community Woodland 32:27 Survival Rates and Long-Term Care 34:50 Engaging the Community 41:44 Introducing Echo Wood 49:22 Confronting Climate Change Emotionally 01:00:21 Pod Cat.mp4