Can you help nurture a sapling?

Could you collect seeds and grow saplings to support our ambition to create an M25 of trees around London?

The new Tree Ring Community Forest aims to combat climate change and enhance our local environment, but for this, we will need thousands of new young trees.

And that’s where we need your help. Whether in a garden or in pots on a balcony, growing trees is an easy and enjoyable activity.

CPRE London’s Director, Anna Taylor says: “Many of us are worried about climate change but feel helpless. In this small way each of us can contribute by growing and nurturing trees – one of the most powerful weapons against a global warming.

“Many Londoners don’t have space to plant a tree, but can help by developing a sapling which will go on to become part of the tree ring. Our vision is that local, self-sourced trees will be a big part of the thousands of trees needed for the tree ring.”

The tree ring will deliver a continuous circle of woodland around the capital – creating an animal super highway, just like an M25 for nature.

This exciting project will help ensure that London’s green belt plays a more powerful role in carbon capture and strengthening biodiversity. The continuous ring of trees will bridge green belt gaps in outer London, and create corridors for wildlife, as well as acting as a barrier against urban sprawl.

CPRE London members based in or near the green belt can help by collecting tree seeds reflecting the natural range of trees in the area, and propagating them for future planting.

To find out how, CPRE London has linked with The Woodland Trust, who have an easy to follow guide How to Grow a Tree From Seed – Plant Trees – Woodland Trust. The charities hope that members will even create community tree nurseries.

From little acorns grow mighty tree rings. Imagine nurturing a tiny seed and growing it into a strong tree which will go on to become part of London’s new tree ring – with a key role in fighting climate change.

For further information email woodlandcreation@cprelondon.org.uk