Hard Days and Lasting Roots: A Team’s Journey into Planting

Muddy boots, long days, and landscapes that last.

Planting season always brings its own rhythm. One week you’re lifting and grading, the next you’re out on a windswept slope on Bodmin Moor, digging into the earth and setting roots. That’s how it started for one of our team members, who was quickly introduced to one of the more challenging planting sites, out on the moors. The terrain was steep, the pace persistent.

Here's an account of how of Lauren’s tree planting journey started here at The Grower.

While I managed 300 guards, the rest of the team hit 1,700 plants. It was a tough initiation, but one that planted more than just trees, it planted resilience.

Those first few weeks were exhausting. Recovery days were essential. But slowly, the rhythm of fieldwork toughens you up. Within months, we were stronger, fitter, and more in sync with the demands of the job. At The Grower, recovery is part of the process. A hot shower, a hearty meal, and a good night’s sleep are just as important as the work itself. And yes, dinner talk is a big part of our day, when you’re burning through calories in the cold, food becomes fuel and comfort.

Clothing is another lesson learned through trial and error. Everyone finds their own system. Some of us start cold, knowing we’ll warm up fast. Others swear by waterproof socks, wool base layers, or hand warmers. It’s all about staying comfortable enough to keep moving.

But the real challenge? Fatigue. There’s always a moment when your body wants to quit but the job isn’t done. That’s when teamwork shines. We carry a hot-water flask for caffeine boosts and keep the banter flowing. Morale lifts the pace. No one wants to let the team down, we’re all here to get the job done and make it look good.

Our team has evolved too. Growing and creating opportunities for others, we’re now going into the upcoming season as a team of 12 (correct as of writing Autumn 2025) with an equal 50/50 split of men and women. We back each other up, elevate one another, and prove that strength isn’t gendered. Confidence grows when you see others like you doing the same work. We speak up, ask for what we need, and help the next person do the same.

Planting is hard; muddy, cold, and physically demanding. But it’s also deeply satisfying. Every job completed is a glimpse into the future. We may not see these trees fully grown, but we know we’re leaving something lasting behind. A legacy rooted in teamwork, grit, and growth.

Laurens First planting job 23/24 bareroot planting season.

One of Laurens first planting jobs - Bodmin Cornwall

Author: Lauren Porter, October 2025

Review: IWK