Global Day of Action: Tree Planting

This November the UK is hosting COP26, a major UN climate summit, in Glasgow. It presents a huge opportunity for everyone, especially those in the UK, to call for faster and more decisive action to tackle climate change at home and abroad.

During the summit there will be a Global Day of Action on Saturday 6 November. To take part in the Global Day of Action, the Woodland Trust is offering up to 30 free trees for students and student groups across the UK.  By planting trees in your local community, you will be helping to show that UK students not only want to see climate action at COP26, but are leading by example.

All you need to do is to download the application form HERE and return the completed form to zaraholden@woodlandtrust.org.uk by 22nd October.

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Where shall I plant my trees?

Your trees will need enough space to survive, a 30 sapling pack will cover around one tennis court, or create 6-8 metres of double-row hedging. We recommend planting about two metres apart. Good places to start looking are local schools, public parks or on your university campus.

You will need permission from the legal landowner before applying for the trees and you must know the six-digit grid reference for the land you wish to plant, using google maps.

To find out more on Where to Plant click here https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/advice/where/  

How do I plant my trees?

Before you start planting, mark out where each tree will be placed using stones, spray paint or canes. If your planting area is overgrown, cut the grass short and weed. This will make planting easier and reduce competition for water, helping your saplings to thrive.

Watch our video below to find out how to plant a tree!

How to plant a Tree - The Woodland Trust

To find out more on how to plant a tree click here https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/advice/how-to-plant/  

How do I care for my trees once they are planted?

The first step to care for your trees is to make sure everyone knows where they are! Tree saplings can be quite small and many people don’t realise it’s a tree at all. To avoid trees from being weeded or mowed away, make sure facilities and the landowner know where they are.  

Trees will come with tree guards which should help to protect the trees from natural predators and mark them out with more ease.  After this, it is good practice to create a weed-free ring 1 metre in diameter around the tree, to reduce competition for water and nutrients for the first year. Your trees will adapt to natural conditions so shouldn't need watering.

To find out more about how to care for your trees click here https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/advice/care/  

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