The Genesis Project
The Genesis Project is a reforestation project that includes planting trees in a green space in the Manorcroft estate and around the Egham Orbit grounds (total area is about 0.6 Hectares).
We have planted saplings from the Woodlands Trust to grow an array of fruits and nuts to produce your own jams, jellies, wines and more from hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan; and all year round colour to appreciate beautiful blossoms, bright berries and stunning autumn displays, thus adding hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch. During March and April 2025, some of the general community have planted and dedicated trees to someone, a pet or just blessed the tree creating a trail of dedications around the area. The trees essentially create 2 areas:
– Forest of Song and Psalms
– Forest of Hope
If you would like to run or walk around the area, there is a 5K run/walk every Saturday morning at 9am that St John’s has helped to initialise and continues to support called Egham Orbit parkrun. This is an independent initiative and you can register here for a barcode that will help you to log the frequency and times you achieve. See https://www.parkrun.org.uk/eghamorbit/ You can also use that same barcode to log the frequency and times you achieve at over 2000 parkruns around the world.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1OlBS5IV4OVzHwaxPLsfQSDVcbGcSWek&usp=sharing
The Forest of Song and Psalms
This is made of mature trees and newly planted trees
Location: Between Quincy Road and the M25
Legend:
PA – At the back of the green space
PA1- Next to the railway line
PA2 – Trees planted on other side of pathway opposite to PA1
PA3 – Trees planted on side closest to ditch
PB – Marked for future development
PC-PD – Trees in front of the oak tree
The Forest of Hope
This is made of mature trees and newly planted trees
Location: In the field of Egham Orbit
Legend:
OA – Front next to Vicarage Road
OB – Side next to horse paddock
OC – Back next to M25
Species planted:
Hazel, Blackthorn, Elder, Dog rose, Crab Apple
Rowan, Dog wood, Wild Cherry, Silver Birch, Cherry blossom
We pray that this will:
- Encourage stewardship and appreciation of God’s creation
- Increase the amount of carbon absorption
- As the area has the M25 running through it, the trees will help to improve the air quality and reduce the vehicle sounds
- Increase the number of species of birds and insects visiting the area as the trees grow and bear fruit and flowers
- Increase the connection with nature for residents and the local schools
- Improve Health & Well Being
- Stress reduction: Looking at trees or walking through the woods can reduce stress and improve mood.
- Immune system: Inhaling phytoncides emitted by trees may boost the immune system.
- Brain health: Exposure to trees can improve brain structure and help with concentration.
If you would like to be involved, please fill in this form here: https://forms.office.com/e/sQpxP67VPJ
Risk Assessment of Removing Brambles, Tree Planting and Maintaining the Area
- Wear safety glasses, appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for working with brambles and small trees to avoid being poked in the eye by thorns, twigs and swinging bramble
- Always use thick gloves when handling plants especially thorny plants like brambles.
- Maintain 2 tool width distance from each other to keep each other safe
- Ensure tools are not placed haphazardly. Forks and spades should always be placed into the ground upright.
- Due to the risk of scratches and cuts when working with bramble, please ensure your Tetanus Vaccination is up to date https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
For any emergencies onsite please call emergency services on 999. To report an incident please use this form: https://forms.office.com/e/widNnAbizL
For a detailed risk assessment see below