Schools, youth groups and community groups are invited to apply for free packs of trees for planting this autumn. This offer is part of the Woodland Trust’s Centenary Woods project – a UK-wide campaign to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
Exactly 100 years after the outbreak of the First World War (on 4 August 1914)1 , the conservation charity is offering groups – such as Scouts, Guides, sports clubs and schools – the chance to create their own woodland as a tribute to everyone who played a part.
The trees, which will be delivered this November, will be living memorials that will stand tall for generations to come.
Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “Planting trees is a fantastic way of bringing people together to do something positive for the local environment. We want as many groups as possible to come forward and create living, lasting legacies in their school or community grounds.
“The new woods will be a tribute to the countless individuals affected by the war. And, at the same time, the trees planted during this Centenary Woods project will help make schools and neighbourhoods greener and healthier, while providing much-needed homes for wildlife.”
The tree packs come in a choice of size and mix of species2, ranging from 30 native trees for a small copse, to 420 trees for an area equivalent to a large football pitch. Choose from eight different themes – from species that will attract wildlife to favourites that will provide year-round colour or wood fuel.
Find out more and register for your free trees online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees Applications must be received by 4 September 2014.
The Trust’s 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.