Rosslyn Colderley has wasted no time in getting hands-on in her new role as the first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of River Holme Connections.
She joined trustees, staff and volunteers to help plant the charity’s 100,000th tree in Farnley Tyas near Honley.
The milestone symbolises nearly a decade of conservation, community collaboration and the charity’s continued commitment to restoring the local landscape.
Rosslyn brings over 30 years of experience in environmental and charitable sectors, having held leadership roles at Sustrans, the Wildlife Trust, the Canal and River Trust, and The Conservation Volunteers.
“This isn’t just about planting trees,” said Rosslyn. “It’s about people coming together to connect with themselves, each other, wildlife and nature.
“It’s about the friendships formed, the knowledge shared, and the sense of fulfilment that comes from working together to protect and restore our natural spaces.”
Supported by White Rose Forest and the Woodland Trust, River Holme Connections works with landowners to integrate tree planting into sustainable land management plans.
This milestone oak tree is one of 20 planted this season in a field at Ludhill, all protected by large mesh guards to ensure their survival.
Over time, these trees will mature into veteran oaks, forming a wood pasture that offers shelter and shade for livestock while enhancing biodiversity.
The broader project at Ludhill involves 1,210 metres of native double-row hedgerow planted by contractors, as well as 0.8 hectares of new native woodland featuring wet woodland species, which has been planted by volunteers.
Rosslyn added: “It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside this incredible team to build on the strong foundations of River Holme Connections and the positive impact it continues to make for nature and the local community.”
Some of the first volunteers from nearly a decade ago joined the celebrations, reinforcing the project’s long-term impact.
River Holme Connections encourages the community to sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on future projects and learn how to get involved.
Whether through volunteering, supporting tree planting efforts, or spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in shaping the landscape for generations to come.
