Thousands of green fingered school children across the Isle of Wight are set to receive free trees as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity marks a historic tree planting milestone.
Over the last year the Woodland Trust will have planted a million trees to honour those who lived and served in the First World War. As well as starting planting at four new UK woods it has provided free trees to thousands of schools and communities.
This week it will deliver 460,000 free trees to schools and communities across the country – 660 on Isle of Wight .These free trees will help boost tree cover which is 13.21% on the Island, compared to 13% in the UK as a whole.
One of these trees could contain a golden ticket that identifies one lucky group as the custodians of the millionth tree of the charity’s First World War Centenary Woods Project. The tree will provide a poignant reminder to the fact that Britain lost around a million people during the war.
The First World War Centenary Woods project is supported by the Trust’s lead partner Sainsbury’s, helping plant millions of native trees to commemorate the First World War.
First World War Project Manager Philippa Borrill said:
“This week is a really exciting and poignant time for the Woodland Trust. Not only will hundreds of schools be receiving free trees – bringing the important educational and health benefits of nature to many, but the millionth tree marks an important milestone in our First World War Project.
“We are a quarter of the way through the project to plant millions of trees as a lasting tribute to those who lived and served in the First World War.
Article continues below this advertisement “One group will receive a golden ticket – and essentially will become custodians of our millionth tree. While this is a fun idea it is also a symbolic mark in the commemorations as one million people also lost their lives in the First World War.”
The school or community group which receives the ticket will be asked to contact the Woodland Trust which is organising a special surprise for them.
Woodland Trust tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury’s, IKEA FAMILY, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Yorkshire Tea.
Schools and communities can now apply for tree packs for Spring 2016 – the Woodland Trust will have 3250 available. All those eligible will receive their tree packs between 7th-11th March 2016. People can apply for packs by going to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees
