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Bristol Tree of the Year competition launches
Calling all local groups and organisations: this year, Bristol Tree Forum is hosting its first ever Bristol Tree of the year competition, and it’s up to you to pick the candidates. So, make the most of the sunny (or not!) summer weather and get on the hunt for your pick.
Through the competition, the volunteer group hope to promote awareness of Bristol’s arboreal heritage and the many benefits of increasing tree canopy cover in the city. It’s not just about making Bristol a prettier place to live. Having more urban trees means better air quality and therefore, better health for people of Bristol.
Bristol has a rich arboreal heritage, and is blessed with lots of trees in its numerous parks
The competition was the idea of Bristol Tree Forum committee member Richard Bland. He said: “I love trees and Bristol’s trees in particular and have been identifying them and measuring them for many years. There are about 200 different species in Bristol’s public spaces, and each is special in its own way. I thought a competition would be a good way of getting more people to value the trees that they have.”
is needed now More than ever
Local groups and organisations have until September 1 2018 to nominate their favourite candidate. The rules are simple: each group or organisation can put forward one tree that is in an accessible public space inside the Bristol City Council boundary. To enter, simply download an application form and send it over to TreeoftheYear2018@bristoltreeforum.org.
Then, the Bristol Tree Forum will create a shortlist of their favourites, before the final decision is put to a public vote on the Trees of Bristol website. The vote opens on October 15 2018 and closes on November 15 2018.
Stoke Park is home to dozens of species of trees
The competition’s winner and runner-up will be announced in this year’s National Tree Week, (November 24 – December 2). Since its inception in 1975, National Tree Week has grown into the UK’s largest celebration of all things arboreal and marks the beginning of the winter tree planting season.
Bristol Tree Forum hope that their competition will reach similar success and become an annual event to go alongside the work they already carry out. This includes both protecting existing trees and finding funding and locations for planting new trees, as well as encouraging protection and planting within the local community.
If you would like to make your local area leafier, Bristol Tree Forum is always looking for new Tree Champions who help find new planting locations and can also become involved with planning and finding funding. Find out more at www.bristoltreeforum.org
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