Help us reach 10,000 Trees for the 40th Anniversary Woodland
It’s been a year of celebrations to mark the u3a’s four decades of exploring ideas, learning new skills and making lasting friendships. One of those initiatives was the u3a woodland, launched to celebrate 40 years of the movement.
When the woodland was first launched, the original target of 5,000 saplings was reached within a matter of weeks and we are now just a few trees short of reaching our new goal of 10,000 trees.
Trustee Neil Stevenson, who has been leading the project, said, “I have been amazed at the response from members to our anniversary woodland campaign."
“Our original target of 5,000 trees was surpassed very quickly so we had to revise that target upwards to 10,000. We’re now so close to reaching our goal."
“The enthusiasm for our anniversary woodland clearly shows our members’ commitment to tackling climate change and their investment in the sustainable future of our planet."
More than 8,000 broadleaf specimens including alder, birch, wild cherry, crab apple, dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, oak and rowan have already been planted.
Robert Penn is from Stump Up for Trees and is managing the project on behalf of u3a. He said, once established, the trees will deliver a host of ecosystem services.
Robert added: “That includes carbon sequestration (capturing, removal and storage of carbon dioxide), improved habitat for nature, natural flood management, good connectivity for wildlife between existing small pockets of ancient woodland, better soil and water quality and aesthetic value in the landscape.”
You do not have to be a member to buy a tree – friends of u3a are also very welcome. Groups can purchase a 100-tree copse – which will have a specially-dedicated plaque made by a local artisan. To find out more, visit the u3a Brand Centre
The anniversary woodland featured in The Express newspaper. You can read the story on the Express website.