Engaging local people in planting trees, regenerating existing woodlands and taking climate action.
Community TreeACTION Project
As part of a local climate emergency action programme, The PROSPECTS Foundation and Hyndburn Borough Council have planned a programme to engage local people in planting trees and regenerating existing woodlands in Hyndburn. The project is called Community TreeACTION.
Tree planting and woodland regeneration will primarily take place on Hyndburn Borough Council owned land. There will be a diverse range of sites in terms of size and setting but most will be in or adjoining urban areas. At least 15,000 trees will be planted as part of the project. Complementary habitat enhancements, site improvements and the promotion of natural tree regeneration, particularly in areas affected by Ash dieback, will be a key part of the project. Through community consultations, the Community TreeACTION Officer will encourage local people to get involved with the project and engage in decisions about the use and management of the land.
As well as increasing tree cover, raising awareness of climate change is a key focus of this project. Through talks, events and training sessions, the project will help local people to learn more about the causes of climate change and inspire local people to take action in their daily lives to tackle the climate emergency.
This project is a direct result of Hyndburn Borough Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration in September 2019 and is seen as one of the key projects where local people can help to reduce emissions within the borough.
The Community TreeACTION project started in July 2023.
Get involved
If you would like to volunteer with this project please contact the Community TreeACTION Officer, Helen Earnshaw. Email: helen.earnshaw@prospectsfoundation.org.uk or call (01254) 230348.
"The TreeACTION Project has allowed me the opportunity to work with a number of enthusiastic community groups, which is great fun. Our TreeACTION Officer Helen has explained the benefits of different species to specific areas, and we have already seen a reduction in flooding in areas we have planted trees to assist with drainage. Ongoing tree maintenance sessions allow us to monitor the development of the trees. We now have a tree nursery to allow us to remove native tree species that have seeded in unsuitable areas and replant in appropriate habitat areas.” - Jean, TreeACTION Volunteer
"I have thoroughly enjoyed all the activities and training that I have participated in. They have helped me to stay fit both physically and mentally. I have made many new friends. I am particularly excited and interested in working on the TreeAction Project with Helen. With Helen, I have spent the last two seasons tree planting on this project. It feels like a very positive project which aims to start tackling climate change locally. We are aiming to regenerate areas of land by tree planting with suitable species, which increases biodiversity, and also maintaining the sites. In addition, the setting up of the tree nursery which will reduce tree diseases is a great step. I feel very satisfied that I am contributing to the wellbeing of both myself and the community.” - Gordon, TreeACTION Volunteer
Prospects Community Tree Nursery
A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to our Prospects Community Tree Nursery Crowdfunder Campaign, and a special thank you to our Corporate Sponsors: Ellison Printing, Community Rail Lancashire, Lowe Maintenance and WOODY (Hyndburn) CIC - your donations will make a significant contribution to the project.
Corporate Sponsors:
Project partners and funding
The project is funded by Hyndburn Borough Council and the Windfall Fund. Funding for Trees and Sundries has come from Trees for Cities, The Woodland Trust, The Conservation Volunteers, and The Forestry Commission. Funding for the Community Tree Nursery has come from Equans through MatchMyProject, Aviva Community Fund and the general public through our Crowdfunder campaign. Thank you to all our donors.
