Sow seeds for the future

The conservation charity is giving schools and youth groups the chance to apply for a special free consignment of 30 native trees, enough for a small grove or hedge, for planting in school or community grounds.

This season, the groups also have an opportunity to claim their own Seeds To Trees kit. The kit contains all the materials required to sow and germinate a tray of silver birch trees. You’ll find silver birch seed, peat free compost, a tray, and full sowing and growing instructions.

This offer is part of the Trust’s popular ‘Tree For All’ campaign, supported by Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Tree For All is the largest children’s tree-planting initiative the UK has ever seen. During the campaign, 12 million trees will be planted throughout the UK, with half a million set for Northern Ireland - that’s one tree for every child under the age of 16. The Woodland Trust wants every child to have the chance to plant a tree, and is reaching out to youngsters right across the country.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “Last November, 443 schools and youth groups across the Province received free tree packs, totalling no less than 13,000 trees. We hope that the scheme will receive the same enthusiasm this time round. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to get outdoors, and to learn about trees and the wildlife they support.”

Interested groups can find out more about the latest tree and seed offer, and apply online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/hedge before February 5, 2010. The packs will be delivered in early March. Further information is available from the Trust’s Bangor office on 02891275787.

The tree planting is in keeping with BBC Breathing Places - a partnership between the BBC and conservation organisations which aims to connect people, including children, with nature.