Celebrating Benjamin Zephaniah and his love of fruit trees! 19th December we planted The Zephaniah Forest’s Orchard in Burbury Park. The Zephaniah Forest saw a momentous planting day take place on 19th December, where we teamed up with not only the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group, but also Burbury Park Community Forum, Birmingham Empowerment Forum, and three local schools (Anglesey, Nishkam, and Holte), as well as the community to plant the twelve orchard trees in Burbury Park.

With live performances from incredible African Drummers, poetry readings from Bradley Taylor who has helped BTP throughout the entire poetry competition and beyond, and Zakariye one of our poetry judges, as well as the school children and residents reading too, tree decorating and wreath making, tree-lated drinks and snacks, the day was truly momentous.

The Lord Mayor even graced us with his presence! He took the time out of his day to visit the planting site and activities, to endorse the work and encourage the children. The Lord Mayor had photos with each school group, saying, “It’s wonderful to get the local youth involved in this project.”

The sun shone through the clouds the entire day, through small spurts of rain, with seagulls singing whilst Newtown resident John Bailey recited poetry about a beach, and by the end of the event a rainbow was painted starkly above our heads! Many poetic blessings from Benjamin.

It was an incredible turn out, with not only the schools but many local residents, bringing community spirit to the park in the name of Benjamin Zephaniah. Millicent, one of Benjamin’s siblings, also attended the event and had a lovely photo taken with the first two twin trees planted for Benjamin and his twin sister Velda.