The Forest of Avon Trust is the locally based charity to plant many more trees in Bristol and the surrounding area and to work with communities across the area to do this.
Trust Objectives are to:
- Promote and demonstrate the many benefits of trees to as wide a range of people as possible;
- Get trees planted individually, in gardens, streets, green spaces or as woodlands, with a strong focus on areas of low tree cover;
- Improve the management of woodlands and help safeguard these where they are under threat;
- Make a lasting contribution to peoples’ quality of life.
In our first full year we:
- Donated over 1,500 free native trees/ shrubs to local communities;
- Donated 500 free trees/ shrubs for front garden planting in areas of low tree cover;
- Provided advice to the above and promotion of the benefits of trees to 15 local organisations/ groups;
- Delivered 20 mini- orchards to local schools;
- Delivered woodland awareness/ play activities for 15 schools;
- Worked with over 500 people with mental health needs to involve them in local woodlands;
- Advised/ supported 10 woodland owners.
With your support we can do much more.
Background
Over the last 15 years over a million trees were planted within 10 miles of Bristol, as part of the Forest of Avon Community Forest. This far- sighted work created many green spaces to enjoy and will make a very real contribution to the quality of life of our area in the future.
The Forest of Avon Trust was established in 2008 as the local charity to keep this great work going for many years to come. We operate in the Bristol & West area (Avon) and also southern Gloucestershire and northern Somerset.
We are fully independent are are funded from sources including sponsorship, membership of the Friend’s scheme, grants, fees and donations.
Why Trees?
Trees are a fundamental part of our daily lives and positively contribute to where we choose to be and how we feel. Whilst they may be taken for granted, their absence or loss is strongly felt.
Trees also:
- Cut energy use: this can be 10% lower in buildings sheltered by trees;
- Reduce flash flooding: cutting disturbance and damage after heavy rain;
- Are carbon neutral: if local trees are used for wood fuel or construction;
- Speed patient recovery: less time is spent in wards with views of trees;
- Reduce asthma: as they filter out air borne pollution;
- Contribute to a high quality of life: people pay 3- 7% more to live on tree lined streets;
- Support the local economy: people prefer, stay longer and more frequently visit, shopping areas with trees;
- Support inward investment: quality of life is a factor in the relocation of 57% of business executives;
- Contribute to safer communities: flats associated with trees have fewer crimes and people feel safer;
- Provide a generation busting legacy: local tree planting not only brings communities together, but the results last hundreds of years; and
- Create robust woodland havens for wildlife, landscape diversity and public access in to the long- term.
