Community Service

At the Rotary Club of Penzance, we’re always welcoming new members—because with fresh faces come fresh ideas. New perspectives help us launch exciting projects that complement our ongoing community efforts.

One such initiative took root—quite literally—when we heard about a proposal to plant trees on land near Sainsbury’s, between Jelbert Way and Gulval Churchtown. The site, owned by Cornwall County Council, had the potential to become a green buffer, but needed support to bring the vision to life. Penzance Town Council had access to a supply of saplings but lacked a suitable planting location. That’s when local Landscape Architect and Penzance resident John Moreland stepped in to coordinate the project.

Two years after the idea first emerged, momentum built with support from the Causewayhead Traders Association and our Club. Inspired by Rotary International’s global challenge—encouraging every Rotary Club to plant one tree per member—we saw this as the perfect opportunity to contribute locally to a global cause. With over 1.2 million members worldwide, Rotary’s tree-planting initiative aims to make a meaningful impact on climate change and environmental degradation.

Eight of our members joined the planting effort, helping to establish 100 trees that now form a natural barrier between Sainsbury’s and Gulval Churchtown. In addition, our Club committed to funding a pedestrian gate to ensure easy access to the site for future visitors and caretakers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to John Moreland for his vision and leadership in bringing this project to life.