Tree planting offers to brighten the landscape

Schools and groups reach a tree-planting milestone

This month, schoolchildren and community groups will don welly boots to plant free trees from the Woodland Trust.

Over 460,000 trees will take root throughout the UK, with 20,000 set to grace the Northern Ireland landscape.

The tree-planting events, organised by groups across the country, are part of the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project – an ambitious UK-wide campaign to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

While green-fingered enthusiasts have already planted thousands of trees as part of the project, this November will see a historic tree-planting milestone, with one group destined to receive the one millionth tree. A special golden ticket will identify the tree, and the custodian is asked to contact the Woodland Trust.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people, of all ages, to come together and plant trees. The saplings planted this month will be a lasting and peaceful tribute to the countless individuals who played a part in, or were affected by, the First World War.

“At the same time, the trees planted will help make schools and neighbourhoods greener and healthier, while providing much-needed homes for wildlife.

“And, of course, the tree-planting activities are very much in keeping with National Tree Week. Run by the Tree Council, Tree Week aims to celebrate and to create an awareness of the importance of trees and woods, and this year runs from Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December.”

Schools and groups who missed out this month can apply online now for a free consignment of trees to be delivered next March. Find out more and apply for your pack at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees

The First World War Centenary Woods project is supported by lead partner Sainsbury’s, who are helping to plant millions of native trees to commemorate the First World War. The tree packs have been generously funded by Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Yorkshire Tea.