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World Environment Day 2021 (June 5) is here once again, and with people getting out into the world again, it’s a great reminder to get involved in reviving the planet.
Similar to Earth Day 2021, this year’s World Environment Day is about returning the planet back to its former glory with the #GenerationRestoration campaign.
Fortunately, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire residents have plenty of opportunities to be a part of the solution. Here are some of the ways to get involved in World Environment Day 2021 with organisations and initiatives in the local area that are planting trees to protect the environment.
World Environment Day 2021: Can you plant a tree anywhere?
Before you get started planting trees, there are a few basics you need to know in terms of what you can and can’t do.
It’s not possible to just pitch up at a local piece of land with a band of volunteers and start planting trees anywhere you like – you’ll need permission from the landowner.
Of course, if you have a private garden, you’re free to plant a tree on your own land, but even then there are laws in place to protect your neighbours.
For example, branches can’t overhang into neighbouring properties. Later, you’ll need to be sure that the growing tree doesn’t block out light or views from a neighbour’s property (it’s easier to consider these things before you plant your tree).
If you’d like to plant a tree and you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with your local authority and ask if there are any areas that have been designated for planting. You can also check with the Woodland Trust or The Tree Council.
East Suffolk Council’s Environment Task Group
In 2019, East Suffolk Council vowed to do more to protect the local environment and launched the Environment Task Group to lead new initiatives in the community.
The group is encouraging residents willing to help to write to local councillors and find out where there’s available land and a need for trees. This is part of the group’s plan to make East Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
Suffolk Tree Warden Network
Meanwhile, the Suffolk Tree Warden Network has been working hard sourcing tree saplings and shrubs for volunteers and landowners to plant in the local area.
With help from the Woodland Trust and the tree Council, volunteers have planted thousands of trees in the area and can always use all kinds of help from volunteering to donations and offering land to plant on.
You can get in touch via their website.
Cambridgeshire Tree Planting Community
Photo: Facebook / Cambridgeshire Tree Planting Community
Last year, more than 100 volunteers from the Cambridgeshire Tree Planting Community planted an impressive 1,350 trees after a generous landowner allowed them access to his fields for the weekend.
Group founder Duncan Starr-Boltt told Cambridge Independent, “The trees will provide a habitat to so many animals and birds and make a really good impact on the environment.”
If you’re able to offer some time, land or expertise to the group, get in touch via their Facebook page.
SunSkips supports all local initiatives to protect the environment, from planting trees in the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire area to litter picking and recycling.
Feature photo: Facebook / Cambridgeshire Tree Planting Community
