Celebrating a decade of community: Six clubs honoured with tree planting initiative : News : Fitmums & Friends

Celebrating a decade of community: Six clubs honoured with tree planting initiative

Posted 7th April 2026

Reaching ten years is a remarkable milestone for any community group—but for our local Fitmums and Friends clubs, it represents something even more meaningful. It marks a decade of dedication from volunteers, a decade of supporting people to become more active, and a decade of building stronger, more connected communities.

To honour this achievement, we have established a special tradition: when a club turns 10 years old, where possible we celebrate by planting a tree in its local area. This simple but powerful act recognises not only the people who have sustained the club over the years, but also the importance of giving back to the natural environment that supports us all. Where the planting of a tree isn't possible we still recognise this milestone with a beautiful plaque.

Six clubs have now reached this milestone and have been celebrated in this way: Cottingham, Beverley, East Hull, Hedon, Dearne Valley and Boothferry. Each tree planted stands as a living symbol of community spirit, resilience, and growth—values that these clubs embody every week.

This initiative has been made possible through a valued partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, with the support and expertise of Andy Steele. Their guidance has ensured that each tree is planted thoughtfully and sustainably, contributing positively to local biodiversity and green spaces. We are grateful for their collaboration and proud to support their ongoing work in protecting and enhancing wildlife across the region.

Importantly, each tree has also been entrusted to a dedicated “Tree Guardian”—a volunteer from the club who takes responsibility for checking and caring for the tree as it becomes established. This role reflects the same spirit of commitment that has kept these clubs thriving for a decade.

These celebrations are about more than marking time—they are about recognising impact. For ten years, volunteers have shown up week after week to create welcoming spaces where people can run, walk, improve their health, and feel part of something bigger. The trees we plant today will continue to grow alongside these communities, reminding us of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

As more clubs approach this milestone, we look forward to continuing this tradition—celebrating people, place, and the environment for years to come.