News
and views
Discover the latest stories from our partners and the impact your generous donation is making for people and planet. And read our views on the issues facing our environment and the communities we work with.
On becoming our youngest member in 1952
“This man, to whom people referred as St.Barbe, pinned a small badge engraved with a tree to my school coat – and onlookers cheered.”
A victory for conservation in Uganda
In 2017 our partner in Uganda, Pro Biodiversity Conservationists PROBICOU went to court. Fighting for the rights of local communities to conserve and use Kafuga Forest products to sustain their livelihoods.
Planting seeds of hope: UK Community Tree Planting Programme update
Now autumn is approaching, at ITF we’re looking forward to another tree planting season in the UK. We recently closed our Call for Proposals for this year’s UK Community Tree Planting Programme. We’re thrilled with the applications, including community orchards, biodiverse hedging projects, to community-owned woodlands.
The role of communities in England’s Tree Strategy
England’s Tree Strategy is set to be published later this year. Discover why broader social, psychological and environmental benefits should be prioritised over carbon sequestration alone.
Who inspires me?
Though still not well known, Richard St Barbe Baker or ‘St Barbe’ as his friends knew him, was surely the first global conservationist. He remains one of history’s greatest advocates for forest protection and restoration.
Protecting tree health: simple steps you can take
Learn why protecting plant and tree health is vital in 2020, the International Year of Plant Health. Discover simple actions you can take to safeguard our natural habitat, from sourcing plants from reputable sources to reporting any pests to Tree Alert.
Fruits for Livelihoods
This project succeeded in providing a source of livelihoods to vulnerable communities, by creating a shared source of income and access to fast-maturing fruit and nut trees, improving livelihood and food security for 160 households in Embu County, Kenya.
How ITF's partnerships are creating positive synergies for tree planting & forest restoration
Discover how International Tree Foundation's partnerships are creating positive synergies for sustainable tree planting and forest restoration. Explore successful projects in different African countries and the UK, and learn how community involvement is at the heart of ITF's mission.
The Great Reset Project – rebooting the planet
Professor Roger Leakey and Ricardo Romero, ITF's Africa Programme Manager, discuss the 'Great Reset Project' that was recently launched by HRH Prince Charles. This project is aimed at urgently re-building the foundations of our economic and social system for a more fair, sustainable and resilient future.
The overriding challenge of our time
As a global community, we have not yet scratched the surface of agroforestry’s potential to help create a fairer, more sustainable and resilient agroeconomy.
People and trees coexisting for a sustainable future: ITF's impact in 2019
Discover the sustainable impact of ITF's reforestation and conservation projects in 2019. From Kenya to the UK, learn how communities are empowered to coexist with nature through tree planting, natural regeneration, agroforestry, education programs, and more.
The potential of tree planting to reduce the impact of floods in Kenya
Since the onset of the March-May 2020 long rains, flash floods have been reported in many parts of Kenya.
Forest conservation in Kenya: ITF's global approach
ITF uses a community based approach whereby we work with local community based organisations, self-help groups and schools to carry our tree planting activities.
Oxford City Farm’s forest garden
Oxford City Farm was set up a few years ago on a site in East Oxford as a space where people can grow food together, learn new skills, and meet new people.
An interview with Phil Pritchard of Oxford City
Since 2014, ITF has partnered with Oxford City Farm (OCF) who provide highly valued opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with farming and food production, animals, nature and each other. Phil Pritchard, a member of OCF, shares his experience and advice for anyone interested in tree planting.
Community-led restoration of Miombo Forest
Our partners, Mpingo Conservation Development Initiative (MCDI) have just reported a very successful year in the restoration of the very biodiverse and threatened Miombo forest habitat.
A story of wellbeing through nature
Sunday 8th March marks International Women’s day. What better time to celebrate one of our own UK tree planting women: Sue Pitt. Over the past four years, Sue has facilitated the planting of over 1000 trees and helped vulnerable adults improve their well-being through nature.
Celebrating women leading community development and nature conservation
Since 2004, Nathalie Raharilaza has worked for the tree planting project “Ny Tanintsika” as its Programme Manager, in S.E Madagascar. Between 2018 and 2019, she and her team managed to restore over 47 ha of forest and plant 35,000 trees. Today she shares her thoughts on the important role women play in community development and nature conservation.
Meet Margret Masika: Community Leader and Tree Planter in Kasese, Uganda
We had the chance to interview Margret Masika, one of the chairwomen of the Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI), a tree planting organisation near Kasese in Uganda.
Donate today to plant trees, restore forests and transform lives.
Your support makes a world of difference to our planet, thank you.