The Cambridge Independent’s Plant a Tree Campaign: Help us get 10,000 trees planted across Cambridgeshire

Trees: our county needs more of them, so the Cambridge Independent is launching a new campaign to get Cambridgeshire planting.

With the effects of the climate emergency being felt here and around the world, planting a native tree or shrub in a suitable location is something we can all do to help.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide much-needed habitat for under-pressure wildlife, can help mitigate flood risks and improve the natural scenery.

So we are encouraging community groups, schools, colleges, businesses and residents to plant trees and shrubs this year. We’ve set a target of 10,000 – so please let us know what you’re planting and we’ll add it to the tally.

To help, we’ll be highlighting some of the excellent free tree schemes available and offering advice on what and where to plant.

It’s important to get this right – trees require the right environment to thrive and have a positive impact on biodiversity. It is important to stick to native species – and to make the right choice. Unless you have a large garden, for example, you won’t want to plant an oak in it. Siting is also key: it’s important we don’t replace existing habitats like a wildflower meadow with woodland.

So in the coming weeks, we’ll be offering advice from experts to help you make a positive impact.

We will begin by explaining how communities and schools can get free trees from the Woodland Trust, while parish councils can benefit from three free small trees, or one larger tree, courtesy of South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Daniel Zeichner, the MP for Cambridge, welcomed our campaign.

He said: “What a fantastic initiative. I love trees and really look forward to planting many more across the city with local groups over the year ahead. Let me know if you have a tree planting plan!

“Trees are our ally in the fight to tackle the climate emergency. They filter dangerous pollutants from the air and absorb CO2. Plus they are brilliant for wellbeing too: watching blossom appear and life regenerate or kicking through the colourful leaves in the autumn.”

Get in touch

Are you planting a tree? Let us know using one of the following methods:

• Email newsdesk@iliffemedia.co.uk and put Plant a Tree Campaign in the subject line.
• Call our news team on 01223 320322
• Post on the Cambridge Independent Facebook page
• Tweet @CambridgeIndy and include the hashtag #PlantATreeCampaign.

If you are a school, community group or business, we’ll be pleased to take pictures.

Or you could send us your own photographs.

Remember to tell us how many trees you are planting, and where, so we can add them to our tally!

Read more

Free trees available for schools and community groups from Woodland Trust

Tallest tree in the Amazon found by University of Cambridge researchers