Let's Hear It For The Trees

Take the family on a Walk in the Woods and learn about why trees are so important

Sometimes it's the things that are everywhere that we take for granted. Take trees for example. You can find them in the city and the country, in parks and even at the bottom of your garden. We all have our favourite -  the Oak tops the nation's list-- a tree long revered and so common on our shores that at one time it could be found on both a six pence piece and a shilling coin.

However research by smoothie makers innocent drinks shows that just under a quarter of younger people are unable to name and recognise a single tree, and 22% have not been out for a walk in their local wood or park for 2 or 3 months

With the arrival of spring, there's no better time to get out there and appreciate your local environment, whether you're young or old. The Tree Council's Walk in the Woods Month is about encouraging everyone to enjoy the UK's trees and woodlands. There are local events taking place across the country where kids can follow innocent's special tree trail - which involves collecting bark rubbings, leaf spotting and drawing bugs and flowers.

Whilst it's important to support our local trees (half of people questioned felt that trees have a positive impact upon our mental health and wellbeing), there are places around the world where trees support communities in other ways by providing a source of income and medicines, enriching the soil and providing shade.

So, throughout May, they will be running their Buy One Grow One Tree project which aims to plant trees in rural communities in India. The individual community groups choose the varieties of trees that best suit their needs, and the donation will ensure they are looked after for 10 years. Last year a total of 164,020 trees were planted, and this year they're aiming for even more.

For more information on preserving and protecting our woodlands, as well as what trees mean to communities around the world go to www.innocentdrinks.com/trees

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