News / Environment
Ambitious campaign launched to double the number of Bristol’s trees by 2050
Trees currently cover around 15 per cent of Bristol but experts believe this figure needs to double by 2050 to help combat climate change and air pollution, protect and enhance biodiversity, and promote health and wellbeing.
A new campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits of the city’s urban trees by inviting people to pledge their support for doubling Bristol’s canopy cover.
Talking Trees, run jointly by Bristol City Council, Bristol Tree Forum, Forest of Avon Trust and the Woodland Trust, is asking people to volunteer to survey trees, plant or sponsor a tree, or sign a new tree charter.
is needed now More than ever
Tree lovers can also share a selfie with them next to their favourite tree by tagging #TalkingTreesBristol, and businesses can get involved too through corporate tree sponsorship and by encouraging their staff to participate.
Fairfield High School run a lunchtime Nature Club for Year 7 pupils and each year order the free hedge and tree packs
from the Woodland Trust which children plant around the school grounds. For the last nine years, a fruit tree has also been planted for every new tutor group that enters the school.
Deputy Bristol mayor Asher Craig said: “We have identified a need to double the city’s canopy cover in order to combat air pollution and enhance Bristol’s urban environment.”
She added: “By working together, we can protect our urban trees and create a legacy for future generations.”
The Woodland Trust, which owns and manages Bishops Knoll woodland on the outskirts of Sneyd Park, is giving away free trees to schools, communities and landowners who want to do large scale tree planting schemes to help Bristol reach its target; and is also looking for a major urban planting site.
To find out more and get involved, search #TalkingTreesBristol on Twitter, post a tree selfie or visit www.talkingtreesbristol.co.uk.
Main photo: CBeebies presenter Andy Day with his favourite tree in Ashton Court. “It looks like a magical tree with a hidden world inside,” he says.
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