Community groups, school groups and youth groups can now tap into an attractive range of free tree packs, thanks to a special tree-planting package from the Woodland Trust.
The unmissable offer is part of the Trust’s new campaign ‘More Trees, More Good’ which calls for a massive increase in tree planting, and a country rich in native woods and trees.
One of the first community groups in Northern Ireland to avail of the scheme is Bright Community Association in Downpatrick. With a helping hand from local people and St Patrick’s Primary School in Legamaddy, the team planted over 100 native trees – a mix of hawthorn, hazel, birch and rowan – in the community centre grounds.
Owen O'Connor of Bright Community Association said: “We wanted to enhance our local landscape, making it more visually attractive. We were also keen to do our bit for wildlife and chose a mix of native trees that will provide homes for a whole range of insects and birds.” He continued: “With local people and schoolchildren rolling their sleeves up to help plant the trees, it’s been a fantastic team effort.”
Kevin Burns, a teacher with St Patrick’s Primary, added: “We’re pleased to have played a part. The schoolchildren, parents, and even grandparents have rallied together to help with the planting. The children have had fun, while learning about nature in the process. I’ve no doubt that they will return to inspect their handiwork and keep an eye on how their trees progress.”
The Woodland Trust wants to see a doubling of native woodland cover over the next 50 years, but recognises that it can’t do it alone.
“Our focus is on making it easy for landowners and groups to experience the beauty and many benefits of native woodland,” said Jackie Morgan, the Trust’s Advice and Partnerships Manager. “Some groups have already availed of our offer and have received their trees this November. We’re now pleased to invite others – community groups, schools and youth groups – to apply for their free tree packs which will be delivered next March.”
• The community tree planting packs are designed to help community groups enhance local shared spaces. These packs are available in two different sizes and consist of 105 trees (suitable for a small grove) or 420 trees (for planting on approximately one acre of land). Each pack is also available in different themes, so you can choose to plant for wildlife; for year-round colour; or for treats to eat in the form of jams, jellies and chutneys!
• Schools and youth groups can apply online now for a free consignment of 30 native trees.
• For farmers and other landowners, the Trust is offering all the practical tree planting advice you need and, thanks to Forest Service’s Woodland Grant Scheme, grant aid is available for planting half an acre or more.
To find out more and get your tree planting underway visit www.MoreTreesMoreGood.org.uk
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Kaye Coates at the Woodland Trust’s Bangor Office on 028 9127 5787; email kayecoates@woodlandtrust.org.uk or
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121; email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key 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 over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
Here in Northern Ireland the Woodland Trust cares for 51 woods. These woods contain a mix of recently planted woodland, mature woodland and ancient woodland (that’s land continuously wooded since at least 1600). We have recently produced the first-ever comprehensive record of Northern Ireland’s ancient woodland; find out more at www.backonthemap.org.uk