Emily Morris is millionth in Tree for All project

Nov 26 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

SCHOOLGIRL Emily Morris yesterday became the millionth youngster nationally to plant a tree since the launch four years ago of the Woodland Trust’s Tree for All project.

The campaign aims to involve young people in boosting native tree cover in the UK. The latest session took place at one of the Trust’s latest acquisitions, the 168-acre Low Burnhall site near Durham City.

More than 30 pupils from Durham High School for Girls turned up.

Emily, 10, who lives at Broom Park, Durham, said: “ It was such a surprise when my name came out of the hat. It was quite a buzz of excitement. I love tree planting and nature, and also going for walks.”

Nearly 5.5 million trees have been planted as part of the project, including 17,200 in Northumberland.

Jo Mugford of the Woodland Trust said: “It’s critically important for children, many of whom will not routinely have access to green, open spaces in their daily lives.”

Emily’s milestone marks the start today of the Tree Council’s National Tree Week. The Trust will plant 80,000 native trees at Low Burnhall on the banks of the River Wear near Coxhoe, over the next five to six years and will also create a wildflower meadow.

The Trust has raised over £793,000 towards the £1.5m cost of the Low Burnhall project through local people, businesses and Trust supporters.