Making Christmas cards count
The Woodland Trust believe that life is better with trees: they improve the quality of the air that we breathe; provide the natural habitat for an array of UK wildlife (including 250 endangered species); and form nature's magical playground for children and adults alike.
The Woodland Trust has been planting trees and standing up for woodland for 40 years. They fight to protect our most wildlife-rich and unique ancient woods. Just 2% remain and once lost can't be replaced. Home to vulnerable species like the dormouse, ancient woodlands aren't afforded the protection many might imagine.
They look after 1200 woods which are open year round for the public to enjoy free of charge. During 2012 they planted close to 6 million trees, many with the help of schools and communities to create urban green spaces.
As you may know, we've been working with the Woodland Trust who support our Christmas Card Recycling Scheme. Thanks to you, we collected over 10 million cards in January which will enable us to plant over 10,000 trees with the Woodland Trust this year.
Here’s an update on the trees you’ve helped to plant all round the country in 2012:
South West
The residents of Ipplepen in Devon have created a new community woodland on an extension to the village playing field. They planted ash, silver birch, wild cherry, rowan and common oak, all of which are great species to grow as a sustainable source of fuel. They are also providing a wildlife haven, a creative play area and generally promoting wellbeing in the community.
South East
The parishioners of Nedging with Naughton have created a new copse using blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel, common oak, silver birch and rowan which are favourites for many native birds, mammals and insects. People of all ages volunteered their time to plant, helped by a local farmer who kindly prepared the ground. Not only was the event a way for the community to get involved in a long-term project, it should provide much needed shelter and food for local wildlife, as a single oak can support up to 500 different species.
Northern Ireland
Families in Northern Ireland came together to plant trees, invited by a local councillor who planted the first tree and helped teach the children how to plant the rest. One child said, "planting the trees was really fun and made me feel good about helping the animals and wildlife that live in our fields. I hope the trees grow up big and strong."
North
1st Wilberfoss Guides planted hazel, common oak, silver birch and rowan to attract a range of wildlife. The group wanted to do something practical to enhance the village amenities and create something that could be enjoyed by future generations. The Guides and their parents planted a triangular copse, with some of the hawthorn being used to hedge alongside an adjacent beck. As a result of their hard work, the Guide unit have also been asked to help plant bulbs throughout the village and even been given some to plant within the copse.
To find out more about the Woodland Trust visit woodlandtrust.org.uk
And if you’d like some hints and tips on how to recycle your Christmas wrapping paper, trees and so on, just visit www.recyclenow.com