The Woodland Trust today launched a novel device that allows members of the public to add trees to their local landscape – and all at the click of a button.
The web-based gizmo, known as ‘MyView’, has been created as part of the Trust’s ‘More Trees, More Good’ campaign, which calls for a doubling of native woodland cover throughout the UK.
Taking part in ‘MyView’ requires neither spade nor wellies, as this online campaigning tool allows individuals to transform landscapes from behind their PCs. And, with the tree-lined vision complete, the image and message are automatically emailed to local councillors.
Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, says: “Councils and government agencies have the means to transform unused areas through tree planting, and this is an easy way for members of the public to get their message and vision across to elected representatives.
“Trees can truly enhance an area, even if it’s just a line of trees gracing an avenue; and I myself can think of at least one area of my neighbourhood that would greatly benefit from tree planting.”
There are three simply steps to your virtual planting:
• Take and upload a photo of your local street or area that you feel would benefit from more trees.
• Using the interactive click-and-drag design programme, add trees to the image.
• Finally, add a statement about why you wish to see more trees. You can add your own personal message or select an existing statement showing the wider benefits of trees. Once the design is finished ‘MyView’ will send the image and message straight to your local Councillor using a postcode finder.
Nikki Williams, Head of Campaigns at the Woodland Trust, said: “People are often keen to get involved in campaigning but many don’t have the time or the means. We wanted to help solve this problem by pushing the boundaries of campaigning. With MyView people can campaign for a better local community from home, and in just 15 minutes can help to change where they live for the better.”
Trees have been shown to have proven and cost effective benefits for people's health, wildlife and the environment.
Nikki continued: "80% of us live, and many more work, in urban areas. As well as making our neighbourhoods look more attractive, urban trees can substantially improve air quality, reduce surface water flooding and provide shade. They can deliver significant improvements to the local environment for relatively little cost and effort." She continued: “In all, over 45 councillors fed into the development of MyView, helping the Trust understand the motivations of Local Authorities and policies relevant to tree planting.”
To have a go at MyView and create your ideal view please visit
www.moretreesmoregood.org.uk/myview