National Tree Week – 26 November to 4 December
Back in October I posted an article about the Tree Council and Seed Gathering Season which was aimed at inspiring people to gather seeds, fruits and nuts to grow the trees of the future. Well, that was all leading up to this week, National Tree Week, which sees the start of the winter tree planting season.
This week presents a brilliant chance for local communities to get together and get involved in tree planting initiatives. Traditionally schools, community groups, local authorities, tree wardens and loads of other groups across the UK support the initiative by setting up fun events to inspire people to get their hands dirty, get their shovels out, and get planting.
There is still time to get involved! Check out the events happening in the Hampshire area – http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/community-action/events-map
Alternatively, perhaps consider planting a tree yourself, maybe you’ve got some spare room in your garden, or a relative or friend has been toying with the idea of planting a tree… Whatever you decide it’s probably a good idea to check out the Useful Information page on the Tree Council’s website for advice.
Did you know?
- National tree week was first held in 1975 and is the UK’s largest tree celebration coinciding with the start of the winter tree planting season!
- Trees are the longest living organisms on earth
- Britain is thought to have the largest population of ‘ancient’ trees in Europe
- A tree grows from the top, not the bottom as is commonly thought. A branch’s location on a tree will only ove up the trunk a few inches in 1000 years.
- Trees do not die of old age, generally they are killed by insects, disease or by people.
- Knocking on wood for luck originated from primitive tree worship when rapping on trees was believed to summon protective spirits from the trees.
With thanks to www.rfs.org.uk and www.weekendgardener.net for the tree facts!
