Escape the Fallowfield frenzy and discover the grounding power of nature with the Tree Musketeers! We’re a community of Manchester students who find sanctuary in hands-on conservation work. Volunteering in local green spaces provides a vital break, allowing us to contribute meaningfully to both the environment and our community.

This year, the Tree Musketeers have returned with renewed energy and ambitious plans. From pond management in Clayton Vale to peatland restoration and habitat work with the RSPB, we’re out most weeks getting our hands dirty and giving nature the gentle nudge it sometimes needs to thrive. One of my favourite recent projects was in Oldham, helping transform the Oasis Community Hub into a vibrant green space—building raised flower beds, clearing derelict ground, and creating some meaningful change alongside passionate volunteers who share our vision.

I’ll be honest—I never considered myself particularly “outdoorsy” before joining. I came into BSc Environmental Management more interested in policy than fieldwork, and the prospect of early, muddy mornings wasn’t exactly what drew me to university. But I’ve learned that simply showing up is the biggest step. Once you’re there, surrounded by like-minded people and seeing tangible results, the work becomes genuinely fulfilling. The sense of teamwork and accomplishment at the end of a conservation day makes every muddy boot and early alarm worth it.

Stepping up as president of Tree Musketeers this year wasn’t something I had planned. When it looked like the society might not continue, I couldn’t let that happen—it had become too important, not just to me but to everyone involved. Leading has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, showing me the power of building a community around shared values and collective action.

Beyond our core conservation work, we’ve made time for celebration and connection too. We teamed up with @incredibleedibleuom for an epic scavenger hunt in Platt Field’s Park, helped the team at The Firs Botanical clear pathways and plant bluebells for Valentine’s Day (because what says romance better than habitat restoration?), and we’re planning a quiz night and farewell dinner to celebrate our graduating members and the impact they’ve made.

If you’re considering joining The University of Manchester, or you’re already here but wondering what life beyond lectures might look like—Tree Musketeers could be your people too. Whether you’re studying BSc Environmental Management or simply want to spend more time outdoors, help your local environment, and meet kind, passionate folks who care about making a difference to the community—there’s always space for you among our branches.

Here’s to a greener future, one muddy morning at a time 🌿

Written by Ademipo, a current BSc Environmental Management student

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