Nick Turner
Working with communities
Trees are a wonderful habitat for wildlife and for people, from the oak tree that supports over 2,000 other species of plants, fungi and animals to the calming power of woodland walks.
From the fascination of gnarled ancient trees to the joy of planting your own tree seed and watching it grow with you over your lifetime, trees have a special place in our hearts.
Collin Park Wood (c) Nathan Millar
Climate change
Trees are more important than ever in helping to combat the effects of climate change by cooling the streets in our villages, towns and cities and drawing in and locking up carbon from the atmosphere.
They also help to reduce flooding by slowing how fast water reaches the ground and then helping it soak into the soil.
Lower Woods (c) Nathan Millar
Biodiversity
Woodlands support a huge range of species. Deciduous woodland soils are full of rich plant material, for example the soil found under a metre squared of woodland could contain up to 1,000 species including fungi, never mind the above ground plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals.
Ben Miller/2020VISION
Health and wellbeing
Have you noticed that a walk in the woods makes you feel healthier and happier? Studies have shown that trees and woodlands are great for our health and mental wellbeing.
Spending time with trees can stabilise blood pressure and alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as increase anti-cancer cells and promote recovery from surgery. It is estimated that visits to the UK’s woodlands saves £185 million in treatment costs each year.
Ourboretum seed to sapling events and school sessions
Working with the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Ourboretum initiative, we'll be running a series of native tree seed collecting and growing events across the project area, as well as some guided walks and talks.
If you would like to collect and grow your own sapling at home as part of the Ourboretum initiative, please register your seed here. A list of native tree species suitable for growing can be found in our FAQs.
The Woodland Trust have some handy hints and tips for growing seeds. Please grow your seed/s in a large pot with peat-free compost, and after two years we will contact you about local planting opportunities for your sapling.
We'll also be running education sessions so that children can find out all about the benefits of trees as they collect, grow and plant a sapling in their local area. Information on upcoming events and registration details will be posted on our events page.
