Health & Beauty

Free trees to help combat climate change

Tree packs include those suited to hedgerows, copses, wet woodlands or for wildlife

More than 90,000 free trees are being made available for over 700 farmers across the South West in a big boost for the environment

Scores of farmers across the South West are receiving free trees to plant on their land—set to bring widespread benefits including combating climate change.

The trees are being delivered through a partnership between the NFU South West, Woodland Trust and Lloyds Bank. The tree packs include those suited to hedgerows, copses, wet woodlands or for wildlife.

Rob Daulby Assistant Outreach Officer for the Woodland Trust said trees will bring a big boost for the environment and for farmers too. He said: ‘Trees help combat climate change by soaking up carbon dioxide, give shade and shelter for livestock, provide habitat for birds and other insects and improve water quality and soil health. More trees means more connectivity of woods and trees across the landscape providing vital wildlife corridors.

‘By working in partnership we can do so much more to expand the woodland cover across the south-west landscape and support farmers with their tree planting ambitions. Whether people want to plant their own largescale woodland, a new hedgerow or more bespoke agroforestry scheme, we can give advice on the best approach, help design and offer subsidised trees—all of which are UK and Ireland sourced and grown. What’s more we have a carbon offer that could enable farmers to earn an income from planting trees too.’

Melanie Squires, NFU South West Regional Director said: ‘We are delighted so many of our members have taken advantage of this opportunity. As custodians of the South West’s fabulous landscapes which provide so much, not just in terms of providing the food we eat but as the foundation of our vital tourism industry, farmers know how important it is to keep it looking its best, which includes having plenty of healthy trees.

‘Trees also play an important part in storing carbon on farms which will be crucial as we move towards farming becoming net-zero for carbon emissions by 2040, so we are pleased to be working with the Woodland Trust and Lloyds Bank to help us achieve these goals.’

Lee Reeves, Head of UK Agriculture, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: ‘Lloyds Bank, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, is helping to plant millions of trees by 2030, to absorb harmful carbon emissions from our air. As part of this, we’re pleased to support farmers to plant more trees and hedges on their land through the funding of free trees, in conjunction with the NFU South West and the Woodland Trust.’

Any landowner who is interested in creating woodland, hedgerows or taking part in agroforestry schemes can find out how the Woodland Trust can support them at woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant.

Knit, crochet or sew your Royal Family favourites

Let your imagination loose

ARE you a keen crafter looking for your next project? Why not join in and help the Royal Voluntary Service to create items to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. You can knit, crochet or sew members of the Royal Family, their pets, crowns, ‘houses’, bunting, tea cozies or other items for a Royal Tea Party. There are no limits to your imagination.

Think of sunny days in June and special events showing off your donated creations, and let your imagination take over.

All items will then be sold to raise money for Royal Voluntary Service and our work in the community.

The Royal Voluntary Service mobilises volunteers in every corner of Britain to support people in need and the NHS. Their volunteers work with healthcare teams and in communities providing practical help and emotional support when people are struggling to cope. They also assist on the NHS frontline, and right now our volunteers are once again rising to the challenge to support the NHS to deliver the booster jabs to the people of Britain as soon as possible. Volunteers provide a lifeline to those who need us in communities and the NHS.

So please spread the word, get started and let them know what you are making; photos are always great and look good on their Facebook page.

Any questions please contact Maria Jacobson, Service Manager Dorset Home Library Service, tel. 07786 635154 or e-mail maria.jacobson@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.