Tree Action: a Q&A with Ricky Purnell

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Tree Action is a not for profit community interest company that organises tree planting events in schools, colleges, and public spaces in Sussex and on private land to improve the environment, tackle climate change and improve the mental wellbeing of young people through connecting them with nature.

With the help of experienced arboriculturalists, conservation volunteers, local authorities, schools, and environmental organisations, Tree Action identify suitable locations for tree planting, organise and fundraise for the events and on-going maintenance programmes.

We had a quick chat with Tree Action's Director, Ricky Purnell, to find out more.

What is Tree Action and what is their aim?

"Tree Action is a new not for profit community interest company that organises tree planting events in schools, colleges, and public spaces in Sussex to improve the environment, tackle climate change and improve the mental wellbeing of young people by connecting them with nature."

"We want to bring communities, businesses and local government together to deliver sustainable tree planting and maintenance projects. Many schools have adopted free tree saplings but they are not looked after, many more schools just don’t want to do anything as they either don’t know what to do or simply don’t have the time, finance or resources to organise it. In addition many schools want their students to connect with projects in local parks and public spaces but need support to organise this."

"TreeAction wants to bridge that gap. We are focussed in Sussex at the moment but aim to support schools across the UK in the longer term."

Could you tell us a bit about your day to day within your role?

"My role involves a mixture of fundraising, getting updates on sourcing of trees for a particular school project from suppliers, organising the next community tree planting and maintenance event, and much more."

Why is the work of Tree Action important?

"It's our firm belief that young people are not connecting enough with the natural environment and that if addressed through regular monthly responsibility for trees at school or nearby park it will reduce stress and improve cognitive skills."

"At the same time we have the opportunity to engage them to be a part of tackling the climate crisis and use so much land that schools have available to plant many types of flowering and fruit bearing trees."

What has been Tree Actions most rewarding project?

"To date, I think it was getting a group of Year 6 primary school students who had never planted anything before to plant some maple saplings in their local park one morning, and then on the same day to see three of those students return on their own initiative after school to look at and talk about the tree they had planted. It clearly made an impact."

What steps can home gardeners take to improve the environment from their garden?

"Plant flowering or fruit bearing trees that promotes biodiversity, and if you have one already, look to plant another tree that supports a particular group of insects or birds that thrive."

Do you have any personal tree care tips?

"Weed, water and mulch regularly. Get the family involved in the maintenance and collect rainwater for watering wherever possible."

Want to get involved?

Individual volunteers

Would you like to get involved in a tree planting event on public or private land through one of Tree Action's planting days? This can include parks, recreation grounds or farms in your local county. Their events are currently in the Sussex region, so if you are in the south of England, a day trip to an event will be easy to reach. All we ask is you make a donation to Tree Action UK for any tree planting event you take part in.

Schools

Would you like help with getting trees for your school and have tree planting events organised with a lesson from an arboreal specialist for your students? Tree Action can source and provide trees, organise site planning in close consultation with your site manager and your local authority, organise the tree planting event days for the students, as well as provide them with resources so they can be responsible for looking after their trees for years to come.

Note: Tree planting season in the UK is November – April each year and the best time to plant is November. This can coincide with the well publicised National Tree Week in the UK. Site plans for tree planting and the fundraising project for your school need to be ready well in advance of your tree planting event!

Farms and Landowners

Are you a landowner who has space available for more trees? It may be possible to get these funded through grants, or Tree Action can crowdfund for a tree planting event with the support of conservation volunteers.

Join Tree Action's mailing list for updates

Sign up to receive news on Tree Planting, watering and maintenance events you can take part in. Visit www.treeactionuk.org or email ricky@treeaction.org.uk to get involved.

Tree care essentials

Tree compost

Tree planting composts help to establish trees in their early growing stages. The best tree composts include organic matter to help with drainage and ensure the roots are getting the nutrients they need to grow.
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Tree ties

Rubber Tree Ties & Strapping with spacers and hoop collars. Tree tie types include buckle tree ties, chain lock and standard coil tree straps. Rubber tree ties are soft and avoid damage to tree bark while it is supported.SHOP HERE

Tree stakes

Wooden round tree stakes for use in the garden to support trees, as fruit tree stakes, fence posts or garden posts. Made from robust, high quality machine rounded wood.SHOP HERE

Tree guards

Spiral tree guards stand up to all weather conditions - they do not shrink and allow air circulation through the holes. They are easy to unfurl, fit and are cost effective. Biodegradable options available.SHOP HERE

Irrigation

All you need for watering your tree saplings or more established trees in the garden. Drip irrigation bags release water slowly to the tree saving you time watering by hand.
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