Tree planting offers to brighten the landscape
This month, schoolchildren and community groups are donning welly boots to plant free trees from the Woodland Trust, with almost 15,000 saplings 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.
The trees planted this November will be a lasting and peaceful tribute to the countless individuals who played a part in, or were affected by, the war.
Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and create a lasting legacy to ancestors and communities who lived and died during the 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 marks the importance of trees and woods, and this year runs from 29 November to 7 December 2014.”
Schools and groups who have missed out this month can apply online now for a free consignment of trees to be delivered next March. Find out more and apply online now 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 and Biffa Award, with support also from WHSmith, Wilko and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
