The Garden Forest- Bringing the Benefits of Trees Home

This will be a major and growing campaign/ project for the Trust. Its focus will be the 250,000 gardens in the West of England as well thousands of school grounds and community green spaces. It is about working with people to promote the many benefits of trees and inspire them to take action locally. (The benefits of this approach range from personal to global).  

The Garden Forest will have a number of strands which will build over time. At its simplest, anyone can get involved and recieve a personalised certificate and sticker in return for an image of the newly planted tree/ shrub in their garden. This should be emailed to info@forestofvavontrust.org .

Beyond this, we are looking for sponsors to help us to extend the Garden Forest to areas of low tree cover, where wildlife corridors need strengthening and to create garden/ street orchards. This would involve support for elements such as school and community tree planting events; Garden Forest information and advice and subsidised trees/ shrubs. Whether you are a garden centre or tree nursery which may directly benefit; a local business wanting to do something positive in the community in which you are based; and/or someone who wants to make a real difference locally, please contact: jonclark@forestofavontrust.org  .   

Natural Connections- Helping People with Mental Health Needs  

This exciting new project will build on the best practice of Wood School (below) and work across the West of England, involving children and older people with mental health needs in their local trees and woodlands. It will further demonstrate the value of trees to the learning and fulfilment of all sections of the community. The Natural Connections Co-ordinator post has just been appointed. Background information is provided below.    

Wood School- Linking People with Local Woodlands 

The Trust will continue this successful project which has done so much to demonstrate the value of trees, woodlands and green spaces in the education and development of children and embed this with teachers and other professionals. It is hoped to extend the approach to work with youths and young adults. 

Future Woods

The Trust allows donors to sponsor the acquisition of land and planting of new woodlands, making a lasting difference to the quality of life of the West. This is also a unique opportunity for your legacy to be recognised through your (woodland) name, which will be on mapping for hundreds of years to come. 

To find out how you can get involved in any of these projects, please email: Jon Clark.