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At TownsWeb Archiving, we believe in giving back to the community, and our recent volunteer day at East Carlton Country Park in North Northamptonshire was a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Having previously visited the park to plant a range of small trees a year ago in the heritage orchard, we were delighted to return and take part in another rewarding conservation activity - tree grafting.
Tree grafting is a horticultural technique used to join a shoot (scion) from one tree onto the rootstock of another. This method is commonly used to propagate fruit trees, ensuring that they retain the desirable characteristics of the parent tree. On this occasion, we focused on grafting apple and pear trees, using two traditional techniques:
Whip and Tongue Grafting – This method involves cutting matching slits in both the scion and rootstock, allowing them to interlock before being bound together. It is widely used for its strong union and successful growth rate.
Cleft Grafting – This technique involves making a vertical split in the rootstock and inserting the scion, making it ideal for thicker rootstocks.
With guidance from tree grafting expert, Adam Cade, our team successfully grafted a variety of apple and pear trees. Once the grafting was complete, we moved on to planting—establishing two rows of apple trees and one row of pear trees that will hopefully flourish for generations to come.
Tree grafting is essential for maintaining fruit tree varieties, ensuring stronger root systems, and promoting healthier, more productive trees. By participating in this initiative, we contributed to the long-term sustainability of the park’s landscape.
These trees, once fully grown, will not only bear fruit but will also play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, and providing shelter for the park's wildlife.
East Carlton Country Park is more than just a picturesque green space—it is a site steeped in history. The park is home to a Heritage Centre that showcases the rich industrial heritage of Corby, once a major hub for the steelworks and iron ore industry. Visitors to the centre can explore fascinating exhibitions detailing the town’s transformation and the legacy left behind by its industrial past.
Today, the park provides an essential natural retreat for locals and visitors, offering scenic walking trails, wildlife habitats, and conservation projects that help maintain the region’s ecological balance. Our volunteer day was not only a way to contribute to the park’s environment but also an opportunity to appreciate its cultural significance.
Beyond the environmental impact, the day also served as a fantastic team-bonding experience. It brought together staff from our London office and several new starters, giving everyone the chance to connect outside the workplace. Working together in the fresh air, learning new skills, and sharing a sense of accomplishment helped strengthen relationships and reinforce our shared commitment to both conservation and collaboration.
The ultimate goal of our volunteer day was to help populate the park with trees that will stand for the next 150 years. As they grow and mature, these apple and pear trees will serve as a lasting legacy of our efforts, for both wildlife and park visitors for generations to come.
Giving back to the community and playing a role in environmental conservation is something we at TownsWeb Archiving take great pride in. Our day of tree grafting at East Carlton Country Park was a truly rewarding experience, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to preserving and celebrating history—both in our archival digitisation work and in local nature.
To round off a great day, some of the team headed out for a few games of pool and drinks, celebrating our hard work and the success of another fantastic volunteer event.
You can visit East Carlton Country Park's website here: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/east-carlton-country-park
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