Trees Are Not Just For Christmas

One of the favourites of the festive season is the Christmas tree. Whether majestic municipals or delightful domestics we wouldn't be without them. The down side is that when the fun is over most of them are consigned to the chipper in January.

Thank goodness then for organisations like Birmingham Trees for Life. It is the latest in an honourable line of tree-planting bodies in Birmingham, and is doing sterling work making sure that we plant and nurture many more trees in the City. Earlier this month they launched their 'Big Tree Plant' programme. This follows a successful bid to the Government's national tree planting campaign which has resulted in a first year grant of just over £25,000 being awarded. The Big Tree Plant is part of the Government's 'Big Society' initiative, which aims to encourage the involvement of local people in issues and activities in their own communities.

The programme was launched by the Lord Mayor and the event was hosted by the Birmingham Civic Society. (Birmingham Trees for Life is a partnership between the City Council and the Birmingham Civic Society - all trees are planted on public land owned and managed by the Council.)

David Clarke, Chairman of the Birmingham Civic Society, said "We are absolutely delighted to have been selected in the first wave of projects by the Big Tree Plant, and this grant will enable Birmingham Trees for Life to extend its tree planting to even more areas of the city, particularly those with less tree coverage".

A key factor in obtaining the funding was the organisation's excellent track record in this field. Since it was created in 2006, Birmingham Trees for Life has planted almost 15,000 trees all over the city, involving hundreds of local volunteers, school children and business people. The aim now is to plant new trees in every constituency area. To complete all that is planned some matching funds will need to be secured from the City Council and local businesses and individuals. Success will ensure that Birmingham will retain its well-deserved reputation for the abundance and variety of trees in its streets, parks and open spaces. This will be good for people and good for wildlife.

So, enjoy your Christmas tree, but remember that the world in general, and Birmingham in particular, needs trees. You can help to make sure that more are planted and cared for in your neighbourhood. You can even sponsor a tree through the 'Plant a Tree for Life' scheme - for more information go to the website www.btfl.org.uk .

In the meantime have a merry Christmas and enjoy the Christmas trees.