Forest for Peterborough

Have you planted your tree yet?

In 2010 PECT launched the Forest for Peterborough, an ambitious project to plant over 180,000 trees in and around the city and surrounding countryside by 2030. The aim is to plant one tree for every person living in the city. In an area where tree coverage is below the national average, PECT wants to create a network of wooded areas, improving our green spaces, the quality of the air we breathe, and also making sure that Peterborough is less vulnerable to the effects of flooding and other extreme weather.

The tree planting will form a vital network of wildlife corridors, threading their way through our built-up areas. By the year 2021 over 25,000 new homes will have been built in Peterborough, meaning more built up areas and more people. ‘This project means so much not only for the quality of life of city residents today, but for future generations of Peterborough citizens,’ explains Simon Belham, PECT’s Forest for Peterborough Project Officer. ‘In 20 years’ time your family will enjoy the benefits of the trees planted today, which will be big enough to walk under. It’s wonderful to see the enjoyment people get out of planting their own tree, knowing that it will be around for their children’s children.’

In the last four years PECT has planted over 74,000 trees, and the organisation needs to plant at least 9,000 trees each year to meet its target by 2030! With so much to do, now is the perfect time for you to get involved! ‘It’s great to see so many volunteers coming to our tree-planting days,’ continues Simon. ‘It’s proven a fantastic way for people to enjoy a day outside in the fresh air, meeting like-minded people who share an enthusiasm for the future of our city. The project is ultimately improving people’s health, happiness and well-being.’

Woodland Heritage in Action: Peterborough’s past, present and future
Forming part of the Forest for Peterborough vision is Woodland Heritage in Action. This project focuses on the historical significance of woodland for the cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of Peterborough. Bretton’s Ancient Woods, to the East of Peterborough and once part of William the Conqueror’s Royal Rockingham Forest, are being made more accessible to the public thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project, run in partnership with Peterborough City Council, will see this ancient urban woodland restored and made fully accessible for the first time in more than 75 years. The aim is to connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of woods. For example, did you know that up until the 1930s Peterborough had a thriving basket-weaving industry, making use of the willows that grew in the wet woodlands? The project provides chances for community participation, educational opportunities and it will preserve historic features in the woods. The heritage of woodland skills, coppicing and willow weaving are important in any vision for a sustainable future

Get involved!

■ PECT is always looking for volunteers to get involved with its projects, and this is just a snapshot of some of the projects currently taking place. For more information, visit the website at www.pect.org.uk, email or call 01733 568408. Plus find PECT on Twitter @SustainableCity #SustainableCity

■ As a not-for-profit organisation, PECT delivers projects which make a real difference to local communities. Support PECT’s work by donating: simply text PECT20 and the amount you want to donate to 70070 (texts are free and 100% of your donation goes directly to PECT).

■ Plus support PECT every time you shop online in thousands of stores through Give as You Live! Every time you make a purchase, a percentage will be donated on your behalf. And it won’t cost you a penny extra. Visit www.giveasyoulive.com/charity/pect