Today environment charity Another Way, in partnership with The Tree Council and Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, is completing the planting of 1700 native trees in the Matterdale valley in The Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This key project supports the call from the UK Committee on Climate Change of 1.5 to 3 billion new trees to be planted in the next 30 years. The right species of trees planted in the right places make the soil healthier and increase carbon storage and biodiversity. They also provide natural protection against flooding and drought and naturalise rivers, streams and wetlands.
17-year old Amy Bray, founder of Another Way, commented: “We need to prevent a 1.5 degree increase in the Earth’s average temperature to avoid the climate crisis that is rapidly approaching us. Amongst many much-needed initiatives in reducing carbon emissions planting trees helps to sequester some of the carbon emissions the world is producing and provides a significant contribution to fighting the destruction of our planet.”
Over the last week school children, Scout and Brownie groups from across Cumbria have joined Amy to plant, in a random fashion and without plastic guards, a native bare root stock of Common Oak, Quickthorn, Hazel and Blackthorn trees which are indigenous to Matterdale valley. At the planting sessions farmer and author James Rebanks, and Jamie Normington from Cumbria Wildlife Trust gave talks to the children on nature. During the last few years Amy has spent much of her spare time visiting these schools and groups to provide education sessions on climate change and to suggest actions we can all take to help combat the devastating effects that are happening to our planet.
“From me and the Another Way team, a huge thank you to everyone who has made Another Way’s tree planting project come to fruition – The Tree Council for the grant for the trees, Ullswater Catchment Management CIC for the project opportunity, Cubby Construction who donated the planting equipment and most of all to all the young people who have done the hard work – the planting,” Amy continued.
Students from a few of the schools Amy has given environmental talks to, Brough Primary School, Threlkeld Primary School, Austin Friars School Carlisle, Inglewood Primary School, Kirkoswald Primary School and groups from Hoosiders Scouts and Skelton Brownies, donned their wellies and rolled up their sleeves to make the Another Way tree planting project a success.
Also joining Amy for the planting on Friday 29th November was Sara Lom, chief executive of The Tree Council who commented: “To mitigate climate change and safeguard precious eco-systems, we all need to make planting and caring for trees part of our everyday lives. Amy is amazing – bringing her local community together and inspiring people of all ages around the UK. She epitomises the spirit of National Tree Week – everyone working together for the love of trees and the environment.”
