Arboricultural Association
To advance the science of arboriculture for the public benefit
The Tree Council
PRESS RELEASE

GREEN YOUR PATCH - PLANT MORE TREES
The Tree Council's National Tree Week (22 November to 3 December)
The UK needs more trees and The Tree Council's National Tree Week (22 November to 3 December) - which celebrates the start of the winter planting season - is the ideal time to get out and do something about it. "We want people to help us celebrate by seizing the occasion to plant more trees - of the right kind and in the right places," said Tree Council director-general Pauline Buchanan Black. "At the moment woodland cover in this country is less than 12 per cent. That's quite an increase since 1980 when it was only just over nine per cent, but the UK is still one of the least wooded countries in Europe and we all need to do something about it.
"We are urging people to plant trees in 'their' ground, whether that's a garden, park, urban street, school, workplace or somewhere in the countryside. There are tips on our website about how to plant trees properly and then give them a few minutes of annual care in their early years to make sure that they survive. "There are also lots of exciting events - ranging from tree planting to walks, talks, story telling, tree dressing and woodcrafts - taking place during National Tree Week. These are planned by Tree Council member organisations and other supporters, throughout the country.
"Trees are not just beautiful, they are valuable in many other ways, from improving the quality of our lives to moderating the climate and providing habitats for wildlife," said Pauline. "Getting involved with planting and caring for trees is fun, benefits your local patch - anywhere you live, work, learn or spend your leisure time - and is a great, 'hands-on' way of learning about the environment, linked to the national curriculum." Environmental charity The Tree Council, a partnership of organisations working together for trees, began National Tree Week in 1975 and it's now the UK's largest annual celebration of trees and woods. Thanks to its members, volunteer Tree Wardens and others, over 20 million trees have been planted since the first National Tree Week and many millions of people have been involved.

"We all have places which we regard as 'our ground' and where we can influence what happens, even if we can't actually plant trees there ourselves," said Pauline. "This National Tree Week we hope people will either go out with friends, family, workmates or fellow pupils to plant trees - with any necessary advance permission - in suitable areas of their neighbourhoods or encourage those who are in a position to do so."

Founded in 1974, The Tree Council today is the lead UK tree campaigning partnership, bringing together 140 organisations. They include the Woodland Trust which, as a prelude to National Tree Week, is planning family planting events from 17 to 21 November as part of its Tree For All initiative.

Visit The Tree Council website, www.treecouncil.org.uk, for details of National Tree Week events and tips on tree planting and aftercare. Event information is also available from The Tree Council infoline, 020 7940 8180 (office hours).