National Tree Week 2024

National Tree Week, brought to you by The Tree Council and partners, brings together the conservation sector, volunteers and tree-lovers to mark the start of the annual tree planting season.

National Tree Week is a lively celebration focused on the importance of trees in our environment. It encourages communities to come together and appreciate the vital role trees play in our lives.

This annual event is the largest of its kind in the UK, aiming to kick off the winter tree-planting season.

Reasons to Celebrate National Tree Week

National Tree Week is celebrated for several significant reasons!

Trees are crucial for combating climate change, as they absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. They also support mental well-being and offer shade and cooling in urban areas.

National Tree Week highlights these benefits, promoting tree planting and care to ensure trees grow healthily and thrive. It emphasizes not only the act of planting but also the importance of nurturing trees to maturity​.

In addition, this event encourages everyone to get involved, whether by joining local tree-planting events, hosting tree parties, or simply caring for existing trees.

This collective effort helps create a greener, more sustainable world, reinforcing the message that every small action counts in preserving our natural heritage and combating the impacts of climate change.​

History of National Tree Week

National Tree Week was initiated by The Tree Council in 1975. It was a response to the massive tree loss caused by Dutch elm disease, which devastated many elm trees across the UK.

This week-long event was designed to promote the planting and caring for trees to restore green spaces and highlight the importance of trees to our environment​.

The first celebration was inspired by the “Plant a Tree in ’73” campaign, which aimed to encourage widespread tree planting. The campaign’s success led to the establishment of The Tree Council, which now organizes National Tree Week.

Every year, this event marks the beginning of the winter tree planting season, uniting communities to plant thousands of trees across the country​. National Tree Week emphasizes the benefits trees provide, such as improving air quality, supporting wildlife, and combating climate change.

As this annual celebration continues to grow, numerous events and activities promoting tree care and environmental stewardship across the UK​ are planned and attended.

How to Celebrate National Tree Week

Host a Tree Party

Throw a tree-themed bash in the garden or a local park. Invite friends, family, and neighbors for a fun-filled day.

Serve snacks shaped like leaves and play games like “Pin the Leaf on the Tree.” Add a tree-planting activity to make it memorable. Everyone will love a good party, especially one that helps the environment!

Plant a Tree for National Tree Week

Get those hands dirty and plant a tree. Whether it’s in a personal garden or a community space, planting a tree is a simple yet impactful way to celebrate.

Be sure to choose a tree species that suits the local area and watch it grow over the years. Remember to name this new leafy friend!

Take a Tree Walk

Explore the great outdoors with a tree walk. Visit a local forest, park, or arboretum and admire the variety of trees.

Bring a guidebook or use an app to identify different species. Taking a stroll among the trees can be both relaxing and educational. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with leaves!

Decorate with Tree Art

Unleash that inner artist by creating tree-inspired crafts. Paint, draw, or sculpt trees using materials from around the house.

It might also be fun to make leaf prints or create a tree collage with fallen leaves and twigs. Display the artwork proudly to spread the tree love.

Join a Tree Planting Event

Many organizations host tree-planting events during National Tree Week. Find a local event and join in. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and make a difference together and it’s also possible to learn more about tree care from the experts. Don’t forget to bring gloves and a smile!

Learn About Trees

Educate yourself and others about the importance of trees. Watch documentaries, read books, or attend a tree talk. Share fascinating tree facts with friends and family. Knowledge is power!

Adopt a Tree

If planting a tree isn’t an option, adopt one! Find a local tree that needs some TLC. Water it, mulch it, and keep an eye on its health. Adopted tree will thrive with a bit of extra attention. It’s like having a leafy pet!