Bournemouth, Charity, Poole | Posted on October 20th, 2026 | return to news

Ringwood resident steps out for charity

Janet Barton embarked on a walk from Sandbanks to Boscombe Pier to raise funds for Chestnut Nursery as part of The Big 25 Challenge.

An 82-year-old Ringwood resident has walked 25,000 steps, raising more than £400 for charity.

Janet Barton took part in mental health charity Plants and Minds’ The Big 25 Challenge which encourages people to do 25 of anything they choose to raise a minimum of £25 for Chestnut Nursery. Whether it’s 25 walks, 25 cakes, 25 miles or, in Janet’s case, 25,000 steps, the challenge is all about getting creative while supporting a great cause. The challenge runs until the end of the year.

Janet walked approximately 10 miles along the seafront between Sandbanks and Boscombe Pier.

Chestnut Nursery is part of Plants and Minds, a charity that supports people experiencing mental health issues through therapeutic horticulture. Its work harnesses the power of gardening, nature and the outdoors to help people improve their wellbeing, build confidence and develop practical skills.

Janet said she wanted to take part in The Big 25 Challenge to help raise awareness and funds for the charity, while setting herself a personal challenge.

There is still time to sponsor Janet at www.justgiving.com/page/mariatidy25000

“We have a huge responsibility to do all we can to ensure the health and vitality of these incredible national assets.”

As well as preventing vehicles from parking near the tree and causing compaction, the Queen Oak will benefit from careful pruning of neighbouring competing trees, with bracing applied to support its ancient branches – reducing future vulnerability to storm damage.

James Palmer, the NPA’s tree officer, said: “Ancient and veteran trees are a feature not only of the ancient woodlands of the open Forest, but of the villages and other settlements that have developed over time as an integral part of the Forest landscape.

“The bracing works to stabilise the branch and stem framework, in combination with stopping vehicle access to the tree’s rooting environment, will both reduce the likelihood of future structural risks while seeing a reduction in soil compaction.”

Will Jones, from The Tree Management Company, said: “Having lived in the Forest my whole life, it means so much to have had the opportunity to help protect this special tree, using our collective skills to make a positive difference for its future and supporting an important asset in our ecosystem.”

Rhys Williams, associate EIA consultant at Savills, said: “We’re pleased to have supported this collaborative project, which demonstrates how relatively simple, well-considered interventions can make a meaningful difference to the long-term survival of ancient trees.

“Protecting treasured natural assets like this relies on partnership, local commitment and shared responsibility, and we’re delighted to have helped secure the future of such an important tree.”

Jon Stokes, The Tree Council’s director of trees, science and research, said: “This sort of collective action is exactly what is needed to protect these astonishing trees.

“It needn’t be expensive or time-consuming, and sometimes very simple actions can deliver significant results.

“In 2025, in consultation with more than 50 tree sector partners, The Tree Council published a report making ten recommendations to Defra for the future protection of the UK’s most important trees – with soil compaction among the most common issues.

“A key recommendation is that financial support, from both public and private sources, should be available to the custodians of important trees. This project has put into practice exactly what The Tree Council report suggested, safeguarding the Queen Oak with volunteer goodwill, community effort and financial support from this group of partners.

“We hope this sets a model that can be replicated in future, not only with those trees still in need all over the New Forest, but also all over the country.”