Army of planters is just tree-mendous
Dec 14 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal
A VOLUNTARY army of tree planters is mobilising around the North East as part of an effort to make the country greener.
The Woodland Trust is organising tree-planting events at sites across the region with the aim of putting thousands of trees in the ground.
Recently the Year Nine geography class from Northfield School and Sports College in Billingham helped out at an event to plant 18,000 saplings at Low Burnhall in County Durham.
They mucked in and got their hands dirty despite the snow to help get the trees in the chilly soil.
Low Burnhall is one of the North East sites where the Woodland Trust is focusing its tree-planting efforts.
It is also aiming to plant 21,400 trees at White Hill Woods near Easington Lane.
The sites have been supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), County Durham Environmental Trust, TK Maxx, Biffaward, The Shears Foundation, the Hadrian Trust, SITA Trust, The Forestry Commission and many local supporters and volunteers.
The Woodland Trust is organising a number of tree-planting events.
For further information contact Sara Lyons on 08452 935793 or Paul Bunton on 08452 935753 – or visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has more than 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
The trust’s More Trees, More Good campaign aims to encourage everyone to plant more trees.
The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe with only 4% native woodland cover.
But experts say we need at least twice as many native trees and woods for the sake of wildlife and people, to combat climate change and improve our environment.
They are convinced the aim is achievable if everyone plays their part.
The Woodland Trust is offering to support anyone who has land to plant trees there or to use donations to create more places rich in woods and trees and create a greener UK.
