News / Trees
Critical time for south west’s ‘largest new woodland in a generation’
Preparations for planting have begun and 1,200 volunteers are waiting in the wings but another £10,000 is needed to bring the south west’s largest new woodland in a generation to life.
Earlier this year Avon Needs Trees ran a successful crowdfunding campaign which enabled them, in May, to purchase the 422 acre site earmarked for the 100,000 trees that will become the Lower Chew Forest.
A second crowdfunder, launched at the beginning of November, has also been warmly received and currently sits at 82 per cent funded, with two weeks remaining to reach their target of £50,000.
is needed now More than ever
The Wick Farm site, near Pensford, is 422 acres and will accommodate 100,000 trees as well as wetlands, grasslands and restored hedgerows – photo: Avon Needs Trees
The funds will pay for the efforts and equipment needed to plant up an area the size of 265 football pitches, the next step in rectifying the Bristol-Avon region’s status as one of the least forested in the UK.
This second phase of the campaign has been supported by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mya-Rose Craig and Ben Goldsmith.
Avon Needs Trees calculate the newly-planted trees, along with accompanying habitats including wetlands, species-rich grassland and hedgerows, will boost habitat value for nature by 246 per cent, lock up 54,000 tonnes of carbon and provide over 5km of new permissive paths to the community.
The whips have been prepared and volunteers have already started the groundwork for laying new hedgerows
And, on a topical theme, Environment Agency analysis shows the woodland would reduce flooding in local villages as well as Keynsham and Bristol by slowing the movement of heavy rainfall.
“This is the biggest opportunity in a generation for us to turn around the critically low percentage of woodland cover in our region, and create a forest-sized woodland,” said CEO Dave Wood.
“The benefits of increasing this cover include helping to mitigate climate change, improving biodiversity connectivity and offering a place for people to walk, learn and connect with nature.”
1,200 volunteers are ready to begin winter planting in earnest which, if delayed beyond the tree planting window due to lack of funds, will have to wait until next year
It’s a critical time for the project, with a short tree-planting window over the winter period. All donations received before December 11 will be doubled, with a total target of £100,000.
Supporters have the opportunity to meet the Wild Isles series production team, take part in a mushroom foraging course with Fred Gillam or dawn chorus bird walk, or sponsor a tree for a loved one who will receive a personalised card.
To find out more and donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-us-plant-100000-trees-starting-this-winter
All images: Alexander Turner
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