Together For Trees Reaches 30,000 Milestone

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is delighted to announce that their Together for Trees appeal has supported the planting of 30,000 trees so far!

TV Presenter and YDMT ambassador Lindsey Chapman and volunteers from Bradford celebrated the milestone by planting 25 trees at Pasture Wood in Grassington.

Lindsey said:

“I am really proud of the work Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust 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.”

Together for Trees aims to support the planting of 100,000 native broadleaf trees over the next two years, creating beautiful woodlands for everyone.

Support 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.

Will Humpington, Climate Change and Environmental Programmes Advisor at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“YDMT has hit the ground running with this project and everyone involved should be proud that they’ve helped the charity to reach this milestone.

“These trees will be a real asset to the landscape and we are pleased that players are supporting the appeal.”

The Together for Trees campaign is already helping to ensure 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 have been involved over the winter, planting trees across the Dales and surrounding areas.

YDMT Woodland officer Carol Douglas said:

“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.”

With native broadleaf cover in the Yorkshire Dales at around 2.7%, and many species of native wildlife under threat, it’s clear there is still much more to do.

You can support Together for Trees by donating £6 a month to help protect ancient woodland for wildlife or dedicate a tree for just £15.

Lindsey added:

“Whilst 30,000 is a great figure, there is much more to do. Get involved and come Together for Trees and help create wonderful spaces for future generations to enjoy!”

To find out more log on to www.together-for-trees.org