Football and trees: Crewe United’s community woodland

We’re working on an exciting project to plant trees around Crewe United’s football pitches!

Northern Ireland has the lowest tree cover levels in the UK and is one of the least wooded countries in the whole of Europe.

That’s why we partnered up with Crewe United to plant trees that restore the local landscape in Glenavy and contribute to national efforts to reforest the country. This project is part of our UK Community Tree Planting Programme.

Trees have multiple benefits, from regulating rainfall to capturing and storing carbon and greening our local landscapes. It’s crystal clear, now more than ever that, planting the right trees in the right places is crucial to tackling climate change.

So far, we’ve already planted 3,500 native trees that will grow and flourish into mature woodland and boost local biodiversity.

We’re also growing wildflower meadows to attract bees and turn this 7-hectare site into a biodiverse and pollinator friendly site.

Nurturing tomorrow’s environmental stewards

A survey published by Natural England in 2021 found that over 80% of young people interviewed (aged between 8 - 15) were keen to take action to help protect the environment.

This project with Crewe United is doing exactly that, we’re nurturing children’s interest in and appreciation of trees and nature.

Together we’re developing future environmental stewards by involving the club’s youth football teams in tree planting activities. And now they’ll get to watch as these trees grow and mature while doing what they love…playing football!

Trees and improved wellbeing

Exploring green spaces and woodlands is good for our mental health and wellbeing. Connecting with nature reduces stress levels and alleviates anxiety.

And it is also thought that spending time outdoors can boost our self-esteem and creativity levels.

Here at ITF, we want to strengthen people’s connection to and recognition of the importance of trees and nature.

Through this project with Crewe United, we’re empowering the local community to take action against climate change by planting trees that restore and protect the local landscape while boosting mental health and wellbeing.

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Support communities across the UK to plant native trees that restore and protect woodlands