The Tree Council is the UK's lead charity for trees, promoting their importance in a changing environment. It was founded as the national tree planting campaign that would follow up the success of Plant A Tree In '73, encourage action for trees and run National Tree Week.
We are still working in partnership with communities, organisations and government to make trees matter to everyone.
Our work has expanded and we are responsible for the annual community action programme that includes Seed Gathering Season, National Tree Week and Walk in the Woods month, supporting the groups organising local events.
We also co-ordinate and manage our national volunteer Tree Warden Scheme, fundraise and distribute grants for tree, bluebell, wild flower and hedge planting and work with our partners on an agenda for change that includes the Tree Care Campaign, the Green Monument Campaign and the Hedge Tree Campaign.
Community Action Programme
Events are held across the UK every year by groups organising local events for Seed Gathering Season, National Tree Week, and Walk In The Woods; these initiatives are aimed at involving as many people as possible in planting, caring for and enjoying trees and woods.
Tree Warden Scheme
Fundamental to community action is The Tree Council's Tree Warden Scheme. Our 8,000 Tree Wardens form a national force of volunteers in local networks, dedicated to their communities' trees. They organise activities, fundraise, research and advise on trees and related topics.
Campaigns
We work with our partners, member organisations and Tree Wardens, on particular issues of concern such as the Green Monument Campaign, a drive for proper safeguards for heritage trees; the Tree Care Campaign for after-care to improve the survival rates of young trees; and the Hedge Tree Campaign.
Planting Grants
The annual public grants programme, through which funds are made available for schools and communities to improve their environment and learn about the importance of trees (Tree Futures), ensures that children under the age of sixteen are given the opportunity to get some hands on experience of tree planting, creating a new generation of tree enthusiasts with pride in the improvements they have made to their local ground.
Membership
Tree Council members range from voluntary and community organisations and non-departmental government bodies to local authorities and key government departments, all concerned with trees, biodiversity and the environment in general. We aim to develop channels for dialogue and co-operation between professionals within this wide membership, to mobilise the sector to develop and influence policy, enhance performance within the tree sector and improve communications between organisations to prevent isolation and maximise impact.
Publications and news
We also publish books, written to inform our volunteer Tree Wardens and other interested people about a range of tree-related topics. Our magazine, Tree News, is sold in branches of WH Smith and selected independent outlets as well as on direct mail. Tree News also has a Twitter page that is regularly updated with links to relevant news stories from the UK and beyond.
To find our more go to www.treecouncil.org.uk
