Time for tree planting
By Donald Lyven. As published on The Archer, Feb 2025
Those fortunate to have obtained a Long Lane Pasture Calendar for 2025 will see that February's picture is of Wayne Armsby, the man mainly responsible for saving the Pasture from development, when it was brought under the control of a trust in 2005.
Wayne was one of the volunteers who turned out regularly to help turn the bramble-infested, rubbish-strewn site, opposite the fire station in Long Lane, N3, into the welcoming and award-winning green space it has become. Sadly, Wayne died at this time last year, but his commitment for the environment lives on. Wayne often said: "The best time to have planted a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today!" Wayne was in it for the long haul.
The weeping willow he planted that day is still growing strong, with its double trunk making it very distinctive, and proving that planting a tree at any time is a great way to safeguard the future of our environment.
This year, Wayne's widow Elsie, plans to plant a silver birch on the Pasture in Wayne's memory for future generations to enjoy.
