National TREE Week starts today!
EVERY TREE MATTERS
NATIONAL TREE WEEK 2011
(26th November – 4th December)
Planting one tree may seem but a tiny step on the road to ameliorating local climate change, but The Tree Council and Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman believe that every tree matters.
During National Tree Week 2011, The Tree Council is urging everyone who cares for their environment to take that step and put one tree – or more – in the ground. Not simply because it is a carbon sequestration and storage tool and a regulator of the urban microclimate that takes up air pollution, nor because it ameliorates adverse effects of weather, reducing windspeeds on blustery days, giving shade on hot days, cooling the air, reducing heating and air conditioning costs and saving energy, which in turn cuts down air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels – though it is, and does, all of these things. No, the benefits of a tree extend far beyond.
Every tree has a role in moderating rainstorm impact as part of sustainable drainage systems and storm water management, lessening the likelihood of flash floods. Each one makes a major contribution to the restoration of derelict and degraded land after the ravages of industrial development, waste disposal or other man-made blights, and creates a more pleasant environment in which to live. The UK’s native trees, individually and in woodlands, provide great habitats for wildlife and the sustainable cultivation of trees for renewable low-energy construction materials, charcoal, food, and as an alternative energy source are significant ways in which every tree will matter, more and more, in years to come.
“A tree planted close to where you live, work or study is good for you and for the nation’s condition; trees have been proven to have positive effects on mental health and as an antidote to stressful lifestyles, even aiding recuperation from illness.” commented Pauline Buchanan-Black, Director-General of the Tree Council. “However, to be able to look out on a tree simply lifts my soul and gladdens my heart. That, at bottom, seems to me to be one of the most compelling reasons to argue that everyone should be able to see a tree from their window - and if you can’t, then now is the time to set about changing the view. Every tree matters as much for the beauty, growth and renewal, whether in urban or rural settings, that it demonstrates year on year as for the very practical benefits it brings.”
National Tree Week also sees the first anniversary of the launch of The Big Tree Plant, the partnership between civil society and Government in England to encourage the planting of trees by communities. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “Trees are an important part of every community and necessary to our very existence. The Tree Council’s National Tree Week is the perfect time to inspire more people to plant trees in their local communities. It will see thousands more planted right across the country, helping to create neighbourhoods that everyone can be proud of.” Buchanan Black added “The Tree Council applauds the efforts of the people who have already realised that every tree matters and successfully applied for Big Tree Plant funds to take that first step with their own community projects“.
