Rewilding charity Creating Nature’s Corridors created in Cambridgeshire to encourage tree and hedgerow planting
A new rewilding charity, Creating Nature’s Corridors, has been created by a Cambridgeshire woman with the aim of planting 10,000 trees and hedges across the UK each year.
Brampton-based Vhari Russell, managing director of The Food Marketing Experts, was motivated to act following the tragic early death of her nature-loving brother, Rory, at 37, from sudden adult death syndrome.
Witnessing the loss of so many trees and hedgerows for residential developments and road-building, she set about creating a charity that her brother - a carpenter who used green oak - would have been pleased to support.
Focusing initially on Cambridgeshire, which is one of the least wooded areas in Europe, the charity aims to encourag biodiversity and aid carbon capture.
“The tragic and unexpected death of my brother two years ago led me to question what my personal legacy would be when I left this world,” said Vhari.
“My brother Rory was passionate in his love of nature and I wanted to do something which I know would have met with his approval.
“As the mother of three children, I believe we have a responsibility to educate the next generation on the importance of caring for our countryside and protecting the future of our planet.
“We need to involve them in measures to counteract the damage that is being inflicted by modern day commercial – and domestic – activities and to instil in them a greater respect for the natural environment than demonstrated by their immediate predecessors. Our focus will initially be on Cambridgeshire.”
The charity said it will focus on native species and ensure planting is carried out sustainably, taking into account the need for water and maintenance.
Vhari wants to help build an “environmental conscience” by collaborating with the construction industry to help ensure new developments are balanced with the needs of protecting local ecosystems.
Creating Nature’s Corridors aims to work with businesses, organisations, government, local authorities and consumers on the cause.
It hopes to help companies give back to their communities through planting.
You can donate via creatingnaturescorridors.co.uk or offer help via help@creatingnaturescorridors.co.uk.
The Cambridge Independent launched its Plant a Tree campaign at the start of 2020, encouraging the planting of trees and hedgerow in Cambridgeshire. Thousands of trees were planted early in the year by volunteers. If you’re planning to plant this season, let us know by getting in touch at newsdesk@iliffemedia.co.uk
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