How we’ve helped The Tree Council so far

In line with our mission to create a better life for every animal, we’re passionate about protecting our planet and the places they call home. For this reason, we support amazing charities like The Tree Council, who are dedicated to working together for the love of trees.

Both trees and hedgerows are heroes of nature – not only because they provide habitats for wildlife, but also since they’re helping to tackle biodiversity loss. 

To date, we’ve donated £100,250 towards The Tree Council’s incredible projects! 

Read on to discover the positive impact our support has had on The Tree Council’s tree-mendous work throughout the 2023/2024 planting season… 

Planting projects

Since 2023, The Tree Council has planted an incredible 3,242 trees and the equivalent to over half a kilometre of hedgerow through 13 projects from Newcastle to Cornwall!

Thanks to our support, The Tree Council has been able to plant 33 different tree and hedgerow species that will be cared for by the charity for years to come. 

Just a snapshot of the species planted by The Tree Council include aspen, beech, willow, cherry, and apple trees – each supporting wildlife and benefiting landscapes across the country.

Fun fact: For every £15 donated, Tree Council can plant one tree or one metre of hedgerow!

Supporting animals

There are so many wildlife species who benefit from having their habitats restored by The Tree Council, including:

• Birds.
• Hedgehogs.
• Voles.
• Bats.
• Dormice.

For example, a successful hedgerow planting project created a green corridor for local dormice – leading to the discovery of some very happy (and cute!) dormice in March 2024. 

The Tree Council also paid a visit to Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH), to create an enriching environment for the rehoming centre’s four-pawed residents awaiting forever homes. 

As well as crafting a willow shelter belt, to provide shelter and natural wildlife habitats, The Tree Council planted a variety of species to improve on-site biodiversity. 

Another animal welfare and conservation charity helped by The Tree Council is Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in the Isle of Wight. A portion of our donation allowed Tree Council to plant trees at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, where specific species were chosen to mimic the natural habitats of animals living there. 

Alongside being edible, the trees planted at the sanctuary enable any trimmings, fallen leaves, and branches to be used as bedding for small animal residents.

Championing biodiversity

Upon revisiting some of the previous year’s projects supported by Animal Friends, The Tree Council observed the incredible impact on biodiversity in Adhurst Community Allotments.   

Thanks to The Tree Council’s volunteer days spent on site, Adhurst Community Allotments – nestled in the heart of South Downs National Park –created habitats to benefit local ecosystems. 

For instance, hibernacula (winter homes for reptiles and amphibians) increased biodiversity for species such as slow worms, frogs, toads, and grass snakes. 

In Lancashire, The Tree Council supported Fairfield Association (a community environmental charity with a 52-acre nature reserve) to increase the width and diversity of existing hedges. 

Due to The Tree Council’s support, and funding from Animal Friends, Fairfield Association’s hedgerows provided sites for nesting birds, along with creating new habitats for small mammals and invertebrates. The addition of extra hedgerows also established a wonderful new wildlife corridor, ensuring safe passage for local wildlife across the nature reserve and beyond!

Empowering communities

A huge factor in The Tree Council’s efforts to support nature is recognising the importance of getting communities involved in local initiatives. One example of the way The Tree Council empowers communities to enrich their local environment by connecting with nature is through their work with Great Bowden Residents Association. 

Great Bowden Residents Association, based in Leicestershire, manage a small country park that’s open to the public. Local residents focus on biodiversity, so they enjoy maintaining a variety of native trees, hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and pond space (home to endangered great crested newts!). Animal Friends funded a project run by The Tree Council aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmentalists, to encourage young people to care for the wildlife surrounding their home.

In Merseyside, the Birkdale Irrigation Allotment Society is a community group who set out to transform unused and flooded plots of land into orchards and wildflower gardens. Funded by Animal Friends, and with The Tree Council’s help, Birkdale Irrigation Allotment Society’s project aims to create valuable food sources for insects and harvest fruit for local food banks.

Preparing for National Tree Week

National Tree Week is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of trees and all they do to support life on our planet!

Luckily, there are several ways for you to get involved in National Tree Week through The Tree Council:

• Check out online Tree Talks from Tree Council experts and partners. 
• Call in family, friends, and neighbours to host a Tree Party in your garden, local park, or other community space; download your Tree Party pack for free!
• Access an array of free Tree Council resources for tips and guidance to support your National Tree Week festivities. 

Explore other ways your choices today can have a positive impact on nature tomorrow, and discover why your actions are so important, by visiting our ‘Tails’ of UK Wildlife campaign.