Million Trees
President Tam planting the first tree at the Seattle Convention
ONE MILLION TREES!
THAT IS THE "TREE"MENDOUS TARGET SET BY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT WING-KUN TAM
One million seems a huge target but surely, with 1.3 million members, Lions International is easily capable of acheiving it. Let us take up that challenge in this District by aiming to "Plant a Tree in D" for every member.
As District Environmental Projects Officer I believe we can.
So, where to start? Every year since 1975 in the U.K. there has been a 'National Tree Week' to launch the winter tree planting season. This year it runs from 26th November to 4th December. For maximum publicity I suggest that all clubs aim to make their contribution to the 'One Million Trees' project at that time.
The Tree Council regard this week as a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local environment. They will be co-ordinating the activities of many voluntary bodies, local authorities, up to 200 schools and community groups, plus 8000 Tree Wardens by setting up fun, worthwhile and accessible events inspiring upwards of a quarter of a million people to get their hands dirty and together plant a million trees (Theres that number again!)
WE COULD BE A MAJOR PART OF THAT INITIATIVE THIS YEAR!
THINK IT! BELIEVE IT! ACHIEVE IT!
But first, the rules. Whilst there is nothing to stop you purchasing a tree and planting it in your garden (That would still be helping the environment and I would still add it to your target) but if you are going to take advantage of the 'free' tree schemes or grants to purchase trees they will need to be planted on land in your area that people can enjoy and benefit from, not private gardens.
So the obvious first stop is your Local Council Parks Officer. They may already have a planting programme arranged that you could be part of.
Or if you want to apply for a pack of free trees you can try The Woodland Trust. They have about 1000 free tree packs that groups can apply for this autumn, and many more for the Spring of 2012. If your application is to be successful you must:
- Find land that has public access
- Get lots of people involved (Tree planting is a great community activity)
- Ask permission of the landowner before applying.
- A Grid Reference or Postcode is necessary to identify your planting site.
- Your community should be consulted and supportive before you apply.
- Any queries about the above criteria contact communitytrees@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Tree packs come in two sizes:
105 treesideal for planting either in small groups of trees or as a hedge (approx 30m)
420 trees
create a long hedge (approx 120m), or divide up and plant
at different sites. If planted as a block of trees, there is
sufficient for approximately one acre of land.
Trees supplied are young saplings about 20 - 40 cm high.
Then choose from four different themed mixes:
|
Wildlife Blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel, silver birch, rowan, common oak |
Year-round colour Hawthorn, hazel, silver birch, rowan, wild cherry, dogwood |
Wood fuel Ash, silver birch, wild cherry, common oak, hornbeam |
Wild harvest Hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose |
You might also like to look at an alternative scheme from The Woodland Trust called "Tree for All". Tree for All grew out of a simple vision - that every child should have the chance to plant a tree. Since 2004 more than two million children have planted 8 million trees! The Woodland Trust now say they are ready for the next step..... MORE TREES, MORE GOOD
The More Trees, More Good Scheme plans to double the UK's native woodlands in the next 50 years. To carry out that ambitious tree planting plan they are offering FREE TREES for schools and youth groups. Your club could help facilitate that movement by involving the schools in your local community and the same time as taking us closer to our own Lions International project target!
Schools are also being encouraged to apply now for special "JUBILEE" Packs of 60 trees plus a Royal Oak sapling.
These packs will be ready for planting in February and March of 2012, (Talk to our District Education Projects Officer, PDG Lion Pat Nixon, for advice re: appropriate school contacts. Reach her at schools@lions105d.org.uk )
The Tree Council operate a grant aid scheme called the Big Tree Plant and have, since December 2010 awarded approximately £1.6m in funding to 30 projects. Their formal application scheme deadline for this year has passed but it might still be worth having a word with them about assisting with any suitable scheme already funded in you area. For more information on how to get involved in their campaign which dovetails nicely into our project go to: http://www.direct.gov.uk/thebigtreeplant
It has often been said that when Lions sees a problem, instead of reaching for their chequebook they roll up their sleeves! i.e. Lions prefer the 'hands on' practical approach. However, that is not always possible so here are a couple of other options:
WOODLAND FRIENDS
Woodland Friends is dedicated to recreating native woodland in the UK by turning redundant agricultural land into new, thriving woodland. You can help us by sponsoring the planting of a new tree. By helping them to create new woodland, you can reduce your net carbon footprint and provide a natural environment for people and wildlife to enjoy and thrive in.
Sponsor a Sapling
By 'sponsoring a sapling', a new native tree will be planted on your behalf in our woodland. You will receive a certificate and become a member of Woodland Friends, receiving updates on the progress of the woodland.
Woodland Facts
Britain is one of the least wooded countries in Europe with less than 2% covered in native ancient woodland.
Woodland is the natural environment for the majority of British plants and animals.
Each tree we plant saves about 200Kg of C02 (most conservative estimate).
The UK is committed to an 80% reduction in C02 emissions by 2050.
An Oak Sapling
The National Forest is a forest in the making, transforming 200 square miles of central England. Already more than 7.8 million trees have been planted and woodland cover has increased from 6% to 18%.
It is a bold project, blending new and maturing woodland within a wide variety of landscapes, presenting opportunities for many to take part in its development.
The National Forest is about largescale landscape change that has already delivered regeneration. It will increasingly help us to address climate change and to value and enjoy our natural environment. It is a working forest providing new and sustainable livelihoods. The National Forest enriches the lives of its people and the landscape From one of the country's least wooded regions, the ambitious goal for The National Forest is to increase woodland cover to about a third of all the land within its boundary.
Where is The National Forest?
The National Forest covers 200 square miles in the centre of England, spanning parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. It incorporates the towns of Burton upon Trent, Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and Swadlincote. The National Forest is easily accessible from the M1, M42/A42 and the A38.
It is approximately 40 minutes from Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham and Leicester is very close to its boundary on the south eastern side. About 10 million people live within a 90 minute drive of The National Forest
Plant a Tree
Nearly 8,000 people have been involved in Plant a Tree events since 2001. Each year hundreds more, from all across the country help by planting a tree, or group of trees. They know their tree will be part of a forest that is absorbing carbon and reducing the impact of climate change. They know their forest is a place of beauty for people of all ages to enjoy.
In return for supporting the Plant a Tree scheme you will receive a personalised certificate and information about the planting event. You can choose whether you, or the person you are buying for receives:
An invitation to a special tree planting event
A choice of tree to plant on the day of the event, normally oak, ash or birch
The advice and expertise of the foresters
They can also plant on your behalf if you choose, or prefer not to attend
345,000 children have enjoyed environmental education sessions at Rosliston Forestry Centre since 1997 and Conkers from 2001. Around 175,000 people have participated in Forest-related events over the last 15 years.
For more information, please see http://nationalforest.org/sponsor/plantatree/
New trees on my Village Green! Every one counts towards the one million!
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At the time of writing, 1,352,353 trees have already been planted by Lions around the World!
Please keep me informed of your progress in this project, and the other activities listed on the main environmental page. Lion Reg Norton
P.S. more to come on this page from The Environment Agency and The Forestry Commission
so ...come back soon!
