Woods for the Trees
Q: How could Scouting use the Centenary year to make a positive difference to the environment and leave a lasting legacy to celebrate the next 100 years of Scouting?
A: Form a lasting partnership with The Woodland Trust.
The Woodland Trust and The Scout Association formed the Scouts For Trees partnership to enable every Scout across the UK to have the chance to plant a tree to mark the Centenary. The initiative also provided Scouts with the opportunity to learn about and engage in, woodland conservation. During 2006 and 2007, exactly 100 Centenary Woods were identified across the UK, from the north of Scotland to the south Cornwall coast, to become new areas of native woodland. Each area was to be made up of at least 2,000 trees, and each tree was to be planted by a Scout.
The Scouts For Trees partnership has been part of The Woodland Trust's Tree For All campaign, the biggest ever children's tree planting operation, which aims to involve one million children in planting 12 million trees across the UK - the equivalent to one tree for every child under the age of 16. Over four million trees have already been planted.
The total number of trees planted by Scouts this year is over 300,000 – an amazing amount. Of this, at least 200,000 trees have been planted in the 100 Centenary Woods, and, as part of the free Hedge and Copse packs, over 3,000 saplings of 30 in a pack has equalled over 100,000 trees.
Premier planting
Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has already realised the significance of young people wanting to help make the world a better place. He said, ‘I'm delighted to support The Woodland Trust planting 100 woods to celebrate the Centenary of Scouting. Young people taking responsibility to improve the environment by planting trees, leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren, is a great example of hope for the future.
Since 1907 Scouting has inspired young people to care for and learn about the environment. Tree planting represents a commitment to this. Woods and trees contribute greatly to our quality of life, cleaning the air, giving us a healthier environment, providing raw materials and helping biodiversity adapt to the pressure of climate change. These new woods will help to provide valuable landscapes and a better quality of life for us all.’
The partnership continues into 2008 with Scouting helping to play a major role in The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Hunt. We have been asked to help identify and protect the UK’s oldest living treasures, as it is believed that the UK contains more ancient trees than anywhere else in Northern Europe. Sounds like another good challenge for UK Scouting!
More info
To get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt visit
www.scouts.org.uk/woodlandtrust
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