Featured Member - The Woodland Trust

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We care for 1,200 woods and have planted nearly 22 million trees across the UK.

We are passionate about putting trees and woodland firmly on the map and Our Vision is a UK rich in woods and trees, enjoyed and valued by everyone. Our Aims are to create, protect and restore native woodland throughout the country.

The Trust extended into Northern Ireland in 1996 and we now care for 49 woods.  These woods are distributed fairly evenly throughout the Province, from Kilcooley Wood in Bangor to the east, to the Burn Walk in Strabane to the west.  The woods vary in nature, from recently planted woodland to ancient woodland (that’s woodland dating back as far as 1600).

Northern Ireland is one of the least wooded regions in Europe, with just 7 per cent woodland cover compared to the European average of 44 per cent.  We have an ambition to double our limited woodland resource, and are offering a number of incentives to help schools, community groups and landowners to make their mark.

Schools, youth groups and community groups

We are giving away free packs of native trees to schools and community groups.

Groups can now choose between packs of 30, 105 or 420 saplings, depending on how much space they have to plant.  There are different mixes of tree species to choose from too, including packs themed for autumn colour, wood fuel and wildlife.

Planting trees is the perfect way to help children and young people connect with and learn about nature.  To find out more, head to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees 

MOREwoods

We are also helping landowners, who are not eligible for government funding, to bring the beauty of woodland to their doorstep.  We’re currently offering free expert advice and funding to help get tree planting underway.

Through our ‘MOREwoods’ scheme, would-be tree planters can now apply for support to cover up to 60 per cent of the cost.   It’s a simple scheme, with minimal paperwork, aimed at landowners wishing to plant a minimum of one acre.

Gregor Fulton, the Trust’s operations manager, says: "There are numerous reasons for planting – from enhancing the appearance of unused land to creating a habitat for wildlife.  And these days, more and more people are avoiding the increasing cost of traditional fuel supplies by growing their own firewood.  Depending on what tree species are planted, you could be coppicing your own firewood within a decade.”

For more information call 0845 293 5689 or email [email protected]

The community tree packs are funded by lead partners IKEA FAMILY and Biffa Award, with support also from Nicky and players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The ‘MOREwoods’ scheme is supported by Biffa Award, Calor and Dorset Cereals.

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