A tree loving puppet show came to town this week. School children from Glasgow and Stirling enjoyed a beautiful adaptation of the Man Who Planted Trees.
The puppet show tells the story of the shepherd who single–handedly transforms an entire region by planting thousands of trees and the difference that one person can make through the simple act of planting a tree. The show has been organised by the Woodland Trust Scotland as part of their Tree For All campaign which aims give every child the chance to plant a tree.
Like the shepherd in the story, the children also had the opportunity to take part in the creation of woodland within The Great Trossachs Forest by planting native trees such as oak, ash, birch and alder on the north shore of Loch Katrine.
The site, managed by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is part of a landscape scale partnership project stretching from Loch Lomond to Callander. The Woodland Trust Scotland along with the RSPB Scotland and FCS manage some 16650ha of land which is currently being enhanced and restored to native woodland. The partners, along with BP make up a unique collaboration between the public and private sector know as the Scottish Forest Alliance. The Great Trossachs Forest project set in the heart of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park will become a showcase for wildlife and habitat enhancement, and for revealing the long history of the ways in which people have interacted and modified their environment
The Man Who Planted Trees was written by Jean Giono who said “he wanted to make people love the tree and love planting trees”. The book provided the inspiration for the Woodland Trust’s largest children’s tree planting initiative – Tree for All. The campaign’s vision is that every child should have the chance to plant trees. The story demonstrates new native woods provides crucial green space and in just a relatively short space of time new woodland can make a positive difference.
Rebecca Whitley, Woodland Trust Scotland said “We hope that all the children involved will have a fun day, the puppet show will provide the inspiration as to why tree planting is so important. They should go away with a truly memorable experience.”
The event has received funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979 706675 alternatively call The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail
media@woodlandtrust.org.ukThe 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.
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. In the last 25 years the Trust has increased its holdings in Scotland it now owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,500 hectares. Further news can be accessed via this website.
Participating Schools:
Garrowhill Primary School; St Mary’s Primary School, Kilbowie Primary School, Bridge of Allan Primary School, Bonhill Primary School,