for communities and schools woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees

Transcription

1 for communities and schools woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees 1

2 Why plant trees? Do you remember a childhood where climbing trees, playing in woods and exploring outside with friends was fun? Would you like the children from your local community or school to share in the experience? We want our free trees to provide a legacy of memories for future generations by creating woods and copses which we can all enjoy for years to come. As a small child said... I can come back in 60 years and say I planted that. Our free trees can: Enhance and inspire Attract wildlife Improve health Provide shelter and shade Purify the air Reduce and prevent flooding We want to create a UK rich in native woods and trees. It only takes 12 years for saplings planted now to flourish into young woods, helping to boost the UK s tree cover from just 13 per cent. 2

3 What could you achieve? The scheme is a brilliant opportunity to make a lasting and beneficial contribution to the landscape and its wildlife by people who would never otherwise have such an opportunity. Transition, Richmond, Yorkshire. A home for wildlife Native trees feed, protect and shelter animals, birds and insects. Just one tree can make a difference, providing a natural oasis in towns and parks, but it is best to plant trees in a way which extends or joins together existing woodland to help species move and thrive. A community hub Whether it s a quiet walk, a refreshing run or a weekend of family fun, woods bring people together in a beautiful place. In just a decade your trees will be over head height and providing your community with a great space to play, grow and learn. Trees working for us As well as enhancing the environment, trees can also be useful to us too. Willow is ideal for basket weaving and creating living sculptures, while birch is great for wood carvers. Trees can also serve as effective windbreaks when planted around playing fields, and those which produce fruit can be harvested to create delicious jams. Such uses mean that trees are never really off duty. We now have a great focus to our community, real pride in our achievements and plans and goals for the future of the woodland. 3

4 Trees are the lungs of the planet and planting trees is an enriching experience. 4 Support the environment Trees are good for us. They purify our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen, removing pollutants and filtering our environment. Tree roots help water travel deep into the soil, reducing and preventing flooding. Keep your cool Trees can reduce the urban heat island effect; this is where manmade surfaces in urban centres absorb heat, becoming hotter than the surrounding area. Tree shade can cool air and help to reduce radiation.

5 The children are so proud that they have planted a Forest of the Future. They may just have begun their very important relationship with the natural world. Little Stoke Primary School Education and play Planting trees and woods is a great way to connect children with nature and is a perfect project for schools. Trees and woods can be used to teach many subjects in the school curriculum, and also provide an exciting playground feature. Trees can be used to screen perimeter fencing and outdoor learning areas. Shaded school grounds are also important for maintaining a healthy school, making break times safer on a hot day. Lots of free supporting resources, including the Green Tree Schools Award, can be found at woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools There is much more to be gained from planting trees than new trees! On the Edge Community Garden. 5

6 Small packs come in a choice of two themes, either to plant as a hedge or a copse. Medium and large packs come in a choice of six themes offering a variety of benefits from encouraging wildlife to yearround colour. All saplings are native, UK grown and supplied 20 40cm high, a perfect size for establishing quickly. Small pack (30 saplings) Perfect for creating a small copse or a short hedgerow and is ideal as a starter pack or a small project. Choose from: Small copse Silver birch; rowan; wild cherry. Short hedge Hawthorn; hazel; holly; dog rose; dogwood. Please plan your planting responsibly Consider any potential impact on neighbours and their properties. If you would like planting or species advice, we have a team of expert volunteers who would be happy to help you. 6

7 Medium pack (105 saplings) Ideal for planting either in small groups of trees or as a hedge (approx 30m). Choose from: Large pack (420 saplings) Create a long hedge (approx 120m) or if planted as a block of trees, there is sufficient for approximately one acre of land. Wildlife Blackthorn; common oak; hazel; hawthorn; rowan; silver birch. Year-round colour Dogwood; hawthorn; hazel; silver birch; rowan; wild cherry. Working wood Silver birch; rowan; wild cherry; common oak; grey willow; field maple. Wild harvest Hazel; blackthorn; crab apple; elder; dog rose. Wetland Downy birch; goat willow; osier; hawthorn; hazel; rowan. Wild wood Downy birch; rowan; hazel; hawthorn; crab apple; holly. woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees Please note, some species or pack themes may change subject to availability check the website 7

8 Step 1 Find a piece of publicly accessible land that would benefit from trees Step 3 Apply for a free pack of trees (we ll let you know if you ve been successful ) Step 2 Ask the permission of the landowner Step 4 Get together, have fun and enjoy planting! woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees The free tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury s, IKEA FAMILY, Yorkshire Tea, players of People s Postcode Lottery and Biffa Award; also funded by WHSmith. The Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL woodlandtrust.org.uk The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales no and in Scotland no. SC A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark. Cover image: WTPL/Nick Cobbing /15