March 14 2022 – Organised by Another Way, last week saw a mix of some 15,000 trees and hedgerows planted at various locations across the Matterdale Valley by a team of 70 volunteers. This brings the total saplings planted by Another Way over the last two and half years to 27,100.
Many of the volunteers had specific goals and reasons for joining Another Way’s third planting project. For example, a student from Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, had made some environmental new year resolutions one of which included planting trees. She has also joined the Eco Club at the school. Another volunteer wanted to plant 40 trees for his 40th birthday. A couple from Lancaster, supporters of the charity for some time, had planned to come two years ago but Covid shielding got in the way so were determined to get their hands dirty this time. Guests at the Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere also contributed donations as part of the hotel’s carbon improvement scheme.
Provided via a grant from The Tree Council, the saplings planted included oaks, blackthorn, hawthorn, alder blackthorn, rowen, bird cherry and hazel. Commenting on the importance of trees and hedgerows, Sara Lom, chief executive of The Tree Council said: “Trees are essential to help combat the negative effects of climate change and to enhance biodiversity. They are vital for the health of the planet and our own wellbeing – they combat pollution, lower air temperatures, alleviate flooding, sustain wildlife and improve soil quality. We’re delighted our partnership with Another Way continues to grow, just like the trees!”
Niamh Lynch, who has taken a year out before going to university and has chosen to spend some of this time supporting various Another Way projects talked about her reasons for taking part: “It can be quite daunting seeing the damage humans have done to the planet however I have found getting out there and doing something shows that each action taken individually and together as a community can make a significant difference. It is hugely satisfying to look back across the landscape at the end of the day and see the rows and rows of hedgerows we have planted knowing how they will support the environment.”
Apart from all the positive environmental benefits, Robin Edmondson landowner and farmer at the site of one of the planting projects noted: “the hedgerows provide vital year-round shelter for our livestock and the wildlife that lives within them. It is recognised the presence of trees in agricultural areas help with the regeneration of soil and improves the nutritional value of the land.”
