If you’re passionate about trees and woodland, then the Woodland Trust would love to hear from you. The conservation charity is asking for the support of volunteers to help achieve its ambition of doubling native tree cover across the UK.
By sharing their knowledge of trees and woodland creation, volunteers will inspire and advise individuals and groups who are considering creating new native woodland.
The Woodland Trust has created a whole package of tree-planting offers enabling community groups, farmers and other landowners to plant trees and create homes for our precious wildlife. The Trust’s package includes practical tree planting advice and, in some cases, funding.
Jackie Morgan, the Trust’s Advice and Partnerships Manager, says: “We’ve had a really encouraging response from people – right throughout Northern Ireland - who are keen to turn unused areas of land into native woodland.
“We’re now hoping to enlist the support of volunteers who might engage with and provide encouragement to landowners. We’re after individuals who have a good knowledge of trees and woodland creation. And, of course, their skills, experience and interests will determine their level of involvement.”
Volunteer tasks may include responding to emails or telephone calls from would-be tree planters; visiting the woodland creation site and assessing its suitability for planting; and assisting with the planting design and choice of species.
A one day induction will take place in May; while ongoing support is available from the Trust’s woodland creation team.
To become a Woodland Creation Champion, or to simply find out more, please telephone Rowena Grew on 0845 293 5872 or email rowenagrew@woodlandtrust.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