RESOURCES | It’s time to get involved in National Tree Week
Marcel Ridyard of AFL Architects writes:
If anyone reading this is old enough, they may remember the slogan “Plant a tree in ‘73”. I was only one year old, however way back in 1973 the UK government launched National Tree Year with the realisation that we needed a collective approach to supporting our precious, valuable tree stock both nationally and globally. This was way before global warming and being sustainable were in common vocabulary.
National Tree Week, this year between 24th November and 2nd December, was initiated by the Tree Council in 1975 as one of its first actions after being founded in 1974, to keep up the momentum started in National Tree Planting Year. It is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration launching the start of the winter tree planting season.
National Tree Week is a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local treescape. Each year voluntary bodies and local authorities, up to 200 schools and community groups, our 8,000 Tree Wardens and many others, support the initiative by setting up fun, worthwhile and accessible events, inspiring upward of a quarter of a million people to get their hands dirty and together plant around a million trees.
City of Trees is Greater Manchester’s not for profit organisation promoting tree planting across the local city region and has planned events to promote National Tree Week, including the campaign for people to give £10 today and help plant a tree and connect more people to nature.
Why Tree Week is important for Manchester
Manchester is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities and the current welcome boom in construction seems to be progressing unabated. This rapid growth of dense urban area and the resultant increase in population means that the green space that Greater Manchester is so blessed with is under ever increasing pressure, while at the same time urban pollution levels are reaching critical levels.
The celebration of Tree Week focuses everyone’s attention on the importance of the tree as not only a beautiful object but as an amazing environmental engine – purifying our breathable air and sequestering harmful pollutants such as CO2 and other particulates. Tree routes help reduce water run off by sucking up rain water in natural river catchments or well-designed sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).
Why it’s important for Manchester businesses to get involved
Manchester businesses are one of the primary drivers for economic growth and therefore construction in the city. It is our collective responsibility to put something back into the community and improve the environment by supporting tree planting and green infrastructure generally. This can be by spreading the word, getting involved, or pledging hard cash.
AFL Architects is working in conjunction with Manchester City of Trees
Leading up to National Tree Week I am chairing City of Trees annual seminar entitled: The Contribution of Trees and (GI) Green Infrastructure to Creating Resilient Cities. This year the topics discussed explore green space as a whole, including the creation of quality urban parks and gardens as well as a much-needed focus on green roofs and walls. Together, GI can make cities more resilient in an ever-changing climate and can contribute to a sustainable future.
The seminar will be held at The Lowry, Salford, on the 21st November, click here to find out more and book your free place.
AFL Architects has been a partner with City of Trees for several years, helping raise awareness in both trees and GI. This is our second year supporting National Tree Week with our own fundraising activities, social media campaign and getting our hands dirty planting trees in Crompton Moor, Oldham.
According to the Committee on Climate Change, tree planting needs to double by 2020 to tackle climate change. A donation of £10 now will help plant a tree and make this goal a reality.
This article was originally published on Place Resources.
