One of our first planting sessions of 2026 took place with our brilliant partners at Zia-ul-Quran Jamia Mosque, who we have been working with since summer 25.

On a sunny Saturday morning in January, we gathered to plant trees around the mosque building. Together, we planted a beautiful Magnolia and a Judas Tree in two empty tree pits on the entrance to the mosque. In the main carpark, we added another Judas Tree and two small Golden Raintrees. These species were chosen for their eye-catching appearance, their value to pollinators, and their role in helping to buffer pollution from the road.

In the overflow carpark down the road, we planted Nettle Trees and Sweetgums. These selections were made with local bird life in mind, inspired by the species we had observed throughout the year.

The trees, locations, and reasons for planting were identified by an after-school girls’ group we’d worked with last year, who then joined us for the planting. The girls approached the work with lots of care and took on the responsibility of digging with enthusiasm.

During the session, our partners also shared reflections on the importance of tree planting within Islam, encouraging the girls to see themselves as long-term stewards of the trees and the environment around them.

A special thank you to the amazing Imran! Imran has been such a wonderful, proactive and welcoming partner. We felt very lucky to work with him and the girls, at this special site – the first and largest mosque in East Birmingham with a wonderful social history. We are very much looking forward to tree care activities that will take place in the spring.