With the current state of the world, where climate change and its effects are becoming more prominent, it can be hard to not feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Planting trees with The Conservation Volunteers’ I Dig Trees free community tree pack programme can be a great way to help improve your mental health whilst addressing feelings of climate anxiety. It can also improve the health of our communities as a whole and the wildlife within. Being in nature and connecting with others, specifically around trees, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improving our mood and boosting overall well-being.
Working TOGETHER to become something phenomenal
We have good news! TCV’s I Dig Trees has already worked with thousands of community groups and people like you, and collectively we have planted millions of trees. Together we continue to smash our tree-planting targets for climate, wildlife and communities. But we have only just begun and with your help, we plan to plant millions more in community green spaces across the UK.
Planting for climate
Planting trees can help to reduce the impact and effects of climate change on a local and global scale…
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in their biomass, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
- Trees regulate the local climate by providing shade and releasing water vapour through transpiration, providing a cooling effect during heat waves.
- Trees can help to reduce soil erosion and improve air and water quality.
Planting for wildlife
Planting trees is a cost-effective and nature-based solution to support biodiversity and wildlife…
- Trees provide food and shelter for a wide range of UK species including insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and even reptiles.
- A woodland habitat is home to many different types of plants, from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, flowering bulbs and shrubs, creating a diverse ecosystem.
- By planting trees, we can create corridors and link up refuges for UK wildlife and help to support dwindling and endangered species.
- Restoring woodland in the UK can help to reduce soil erosion, protecting delicate habitats and is especially helpful during flooding events exacerbated by climate change.
Planting for communities
Planting trees provides an opportunity for you to take action, to feel a sense of agency and purpose, whilst connecting with your community and building resilience…
- Providing opportunities for people to come together and work towards a common goal in a tree planting event or community garden.
- Creating a sense of ownership and pride in the local environment through community involvement.
- Trees can serve as a gathering place for social events and community activities.
- Improving the aesthetics of a community, increasing property values and promoting a sense of well-being.
- Fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among residents by working together to create a more sustainable and liveable environment.
And let’s not forget, the physical act of planting trees can also provide an opportunity for exercise and physical activity which can help improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
Climate anxiety can manifest as feelings of hopelessness but by taking action with your community you can help to alleviate some of these symptoms. We can make a difference.
Claim your FREE trees for your community now.
Find out how you can get involved with The Conservation Volunteers and our work connecting people and green spaces by signing up for our Greenzine Newsletter, or join us on social media here: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
