A mammoth volunteer tree planting effort will see 1000 trees planted in the Lake District in time for Climate Change Week (21-27 March 2011) thanks to donations from people who fought to stop the Government's plans to sell off the nation's woodlands.

Volunteers from conservation charity Friends of the Lake District will be planting 1,000 native trees thanks to donations from members and supporters and money raised at the Whinlatter Forest Rally last month. The new trees will highlight the importance of increasing woodland cover for the health of the planet for Climate Change Week.

Last week 100 hazel trees were planted at Friends of the Lake District's Hows Wood in Eskdale thanks to a donation from member Yvonne Timms to celebrate her late parents' love of the Lake District.

On Tuesday (15 March) volunteers will plant 20 oak, hazel and elm trees on Friends of the Lake District' land at The Helm at Oxenholme, with the support of local businesses Elder Grove Bed and Breakfast and David Willan Fine Foods.

To highlight the importance of public forests, Friends' volunteers are helping the Orton Community Woodland tree planting on Saturday and Sunday 20 March. Over 600 trees are being planted over the weekend, with the help of local Cumbrian supporters of the forestry campaign 38degrees petition.

Finally, on Monday 21 March over 200 trees will be planted at High Borrowdale, near Bretherdale (just of the A6 at the foot of Shap summit), again using money raised by people donating at the Whinlatter Forest Rally.

Judith Moore, Policy Officer with Friends of the Lake District: ‘' During its lifetime each broadleaf tree planted will absorb on average one tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We'll need trees more than ever in the future and so we are creating new woodlands for our children's future. It's also a great way to celebrate our success in halting the Government's plans to sell off our public forests.

‘We have plans to create more new woodland in the Lake District, and on our own land. For every pound you donate to us you can add gift aid which increases the donation by 20% to £1.20!"

Anyone wanting to plant trees to celebrate a loved-one or an event, or to increase the green credentials of your business should contact David Baker, fundraiser at Friends of the Lake District on 01539 720788 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More volunteers are always welcome. Please join us! Our next volunteer days are:

Sat 19 & Sun 20 March Tree Planting Weekend at Orton Community Woodland
Please come and plant a tree or two or lots. Both days from 11am-4pm. Trees, stakes and guards provided. Bring wellies, warm and waterproof clothing, spade if you have one. If you're coming for the day, bring a lunch, though light refreshments will be available for all volunteers. Directions: Postcode is CA10 3RG: Grid Reference is NY 624 087 GB. www.ortonwoodland.org.uk

Mon 21 March Conservation Day High Borrowdale.
This is very close to other workparties, but we have an offer of free trees and need to get them planted as soon as possible! The day will therefore be dedicated to tree planting.

Thurs 24  March Conservation Day Tree protection and walling, Mikes Wood, Staveley joint with the Lake District National Park Authority volunteers.

If you would like to find out more about our activities or take part, please contact us, call 01539 720788 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view i. For more events click here

See our Facebook page for more photos of tree planting at Hows Wood, Eskdale and Orton Community Woodland.