THOUSANDS of green fingered school children across Cheshire are to receive free trees as woodland conservation charity the Woodland Trust marks a historic tree planting milestone.
Over the last year the Trust will have planted a million trees to honour those who lived and served in the First World War.
As well as starting planting at four new woods it has provided free trees to thousands of schools and communities.
Some 9,345 are being distributed in Cheshire, including 6,645 to schools.
These free trees will help boost tree cover which is just 6.1 per cent in the county compared to 13 per cent in the UK as a whole.
One of these trees could contain a golden ticket that identifies one lucky group as the custodians of the millionth tree of the charity’s First World War Centenary Woods Project. The tree will provide a poignant reminder to the fact that Britain lost around a million people during the war.
First World War project manager Philippa Borrill said: “This week is a really exciting and poignant time for the Woodland Trust. Not only will hundreds of schools be receiving free trees – bringing the important educational and health benefits of nature to many, but the millionth tree marks an important milestone in our First World War Project.
“We are a quarter of the way through the project to plant millions of trees as a lasting tribute to those who lived and served in the First World War.
“One group will receive a golden ticket – and essentially will become custodians of our millionth tree. While this is a fun idea it is also a symbolic mark in the commemorations as one million people also losttheir lives in the First World War.”
The school or community group which receives the ticket will be asked to contact the Woodland Trust which is organising a special surprise for them.
Schools and communities can now apply for tree packs for spring 2016 – the Woodland Trust will have 3,250 available.
All those eligible will receive their tree packs between March 7-11 next year. People can apply for packs by going to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees
Free trees for green-fingered pupils
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