With the government’s climate advisers saying that almost three billion trees must be planted by 2050 in this country to end Britain’s contribution to global warming, there has never been a more important time to plant trees.

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Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is taking up the challenge through its Together for Trees campaign which aims to plant 100,000 native broadleaf trees in the Dales over the next two years.

 

Since 1996 the charity, which based in the rural village of Clapham, has supported the planting of 1.5 million trees. Last winter it planted 30,000 with a variety of partners and landowners, in the first part of the campaign. Trees are our most effective solution in tackling the climate crisis and the bold appeal aims to increase broadleaf cover in the Dales from 2.7% - and create beautiful woodlands everyone can enjoy.

 

TV Presenter and YDMT ambassador Lindsey Chapman and volunteers from Bradford celebrated the 30,000 milestone by planting 25 trees at Pasture Wood in Grassington – one of the Trust’s Supporter Woodlands’ back in May.

 

She said: “I am really proud of the work YDMT undertakes in this special area. 30,000 trees is a great start to the appeal and I’d like to thank everybody who has helped us achieve this milestone.

 

“Trees are vital to the infrastructure of our countryside, to the wildlife that depends on them and to our own mental and physical wellbeing. For me trees and woodlands are a symbol of hope; a natural line of defence against man-made climate change, a connection to our cultural heritage and a place to wonder.

 

“By creating new areas of woodland, we can expand the opportunity for people to connect with trees – that connection with nature is vital if we are not only to conserve but also to improve our natural environment for the future.”

 

Support for Together for Trees has come from individuals, businesses and from players of People’s Postcode Lottery who have raised £50,000 – enabling the planting of around 13,000 native broadleaf trees and hedgerow plants to improve woodland connectivity and biodiversity. The campaign is also people-centric, ensuring people have access to trees and the many health benefits they have to offer.

 

YDMT work with young carers, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom live with social isolation, disabilities or mental health problems, and don’t have the means to get out into the countryside and walk in the woods. Several of these groups were involved with the Trust last winter, planting trees across the Dales and surrounding areas.

 

YDMT Woodland officer Carol Douglas added: “The pleasure people gain from spending a day out planting trees or undertaking woodland maintenance is usually very obvious. Together for Trees is not just about raising money to fund more woodland creation, it’s also about providing opportunities for people to get actively involved with trees and woodlands, bringing people together to enjoy the benefits they offer. 

 

“The value of our woodlands in terms of supporting positive health and well-being is immeasurable and needs more recognition.”

 

Aspire Magazine is proud to support YDMT and Together for Trees. You can show your support too, by donating £6 a month to help protect ancient woodland for wildlife, or dedicate a tree for just £15.

 

To find out more head to www.together-for-trees.org or call 015242 51002.

 

Aspire Magazine is proud to support YDMT and Together for Trees. You can show your support too, by donating £6 a month to help protect ancient woodland for wildlife, or dedicate a tree for just £15.

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To find out more head to www.together-for-trees.org or call 015242 51002.