16-year-old Amy Bray’s environment charity Another Way has been awarded a Tree Futures Grant from The Tree Council to plant over 1700 trees in Matterdale valley, Cumbria, during National Tree Week in November this year.
In collaboration with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, a community interest company combining farming, natural flood management and conservation, and as part of the charity’s Another Waynwright Day event on August 31st, Another Way is arranging for children to plant a tree for every event participant. Up to 1700 trees will be planted in Matterdale during National Tree Week (23rd November – 1st December) as part of supporting nature and relieving flood and drought problems. A selection of the 20 schools and scout groups that Amy has given educational sessions and talks to in the last year will be invited to plant these trees and to learn more from specialists about the benefits they will bring.
Amy Bray, founder, Another Way, commented: “My focus for Another Way is to ensure we keep sharing the importance of fixing our future by fixing the planet. This project is just one example of the work we are doing to spread the word. This grant from The Tree Council allows us to embed deep knowledge for long lasting impact.”
The Tree Council’s Tree Futures Grant Scheme offers help for tree planting for any school or community group within the United Kingdom to deliver a project which actively involves children under the age of 16 in planting trees, hedgerows and orchards. Tree planting events take place on or around The Tree Council’s National Tree Week, marking the start of the new tree planting season.
Sara Lom, Chief Executive, The Tree Council said: “The Another Waynwright Day tree planting is a fabulous example of a community-led initiative. The project shows that trees are an amazing natural solution to many of the challenges we face: from capturing carbon, to improving the air we breathe, creating habitats for wildlife, to improving our wellbeing. Amy and her charity Another Way are leading an important campaign to support a sustainable future for our planet, one which we hope others will replicate. She is inspirational and has our full endorsement.”
Danny Teasdale, Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, commented: ”The combination of farming, soil management, conservation and natural flood management is the best solution to protect our landscapes, countryside and ultimately planet. By working collaboratively with our farming community we can demonstrate the many mutual benefits of tree planting to enhance our environment and also compliment the farm business. Amy’s project is a great example of the work we need to do to support our environment.”