From the 28th July, the Trust’s Text a Tree scheme will be promoted in Bristol Airport’s departure lounge. Passengers concerned about the carbon used on their flight, or just wanting to make a difference to the local area, can now text Tree to 82023 and donate a tree for planting this winter. The cost is £5 plus the normal network text rate.
This is being delivered alongside Goblin Combe Environment Centre’s Climate Change Barometer in 8 schools in the Worle area of Weston super Mare. Wood School is working with Reception and Year 1 children to engage them in the importance of trees and the wider natural environment. Activities have included finding the strongest tree in the school grounds; leaf rubbings; making bird feeders of fat and seed, around a cone; and collecting palates of natural colour from school grounds.
Wood School is available free of charge where we can secure grants and donations, £200/ day on a cost covering basis. To find out more, email: jonclark@forestofavontrust.org
The Trust was formed in 2008 to get many more trees planted in the West of England (Avon) and to work with people across the area to do this. It also champions the benefits of local trees and runs projects to deliver these to people. The Forest of Avon Trust is based at Ashton Court, Bristol and there are many great ways to support our work.
Since June, Co-ordinator Jon Attwood, has been working with a group of 4 year olds First Steps Nursery in Bath undertaking a range of activities and exploratory play in Carrs Woodland in Twerton. The project is running for six weeks and will aim to explore the range of benefits this Forest School experience might have on the children involved. Activities such as using natural materials in art, making dens for animals, and cooking wild food will bring children directly in to contact with nature. In addition there will be time and space for creative child lead play.
Natural Connections has also worked with community leaders from the Black Environment Network to demonstrate the value of trees and woodlands as a way of introducing people to local green spaces. To find out more, email: jonattwood@forestofavontrust.org .
We will be providing free trees for front garden planting in priority areas, this winter. Volunteer, Mark Wilson is undertaking initial survey work in the Cadbury Heath, Staple Hill, Fishponds Road, Portway and Worle areas, to support this. A guide to species and planting in gardens is also being prepared. Free trees will also be available for school grounds and community green spaces if we can secure sponsorship for this. If you are interested in being linked to local environmental action, or want to plant trees, please email: jonclark@forestofavontrust.org
We are extremely grateful for the funding support received so far this year, from Bristol City Council, Bristol Wood Recycling, Green Woods Furniture, Forestry Commission, Natural England (through its Access to Nature Big Lottery funded programme), North Somerset Council, Rolls Royce Ltd., South Gloucestershire Council, Whitehall Printing and our growing number of Friends and donors.
