What is People Planting?
Our scheme to help communities grow and manage their own working woodlands -
for pleasure, learning, health and wildlife. Run by the community, for the
community, it enables children and adults alike to get closer to nature and
actively participate in building a greener future. Based on 11 years'
experience with our local project, Forest for Our Children, the focus is on
4 key elements:
The Community:
Full engagement is sought at every stage to ensure a sense of long-term
ownership. This fires community spirit and local pride.
The
Children:
A School Rolling Programme of ongoing involvement is offered to all age
groups. This combines a wide range of activities
The
Wildlife:
Native trees & shrubs are planted and traditional woodland management
techniques used - providing wildlife habitats & increased biodiversity.
The Global Kinship:
An environmental link with an overseas community is encouraged. This brings
extra interest and learning opportunities.
Both rural and urban projects are already underway with Areas of
Deprivation and Rural Priority an important feature.
How we do it?
Our experienced team offers in-depth assistance for up to 3 years to enable
each group to become self-sufficient. This involves a series of project
visits - free of charge to the community. These might include:
- An illustrated presentation to inform and inspire your community
- Guidance in forming an effective project steering group
- Enrolling commitment from your local school
- Exploring ways of acquiring land
- Training in action planning and woodland management
Additional support includes:
- One-Day Training Courses
- An annual Learning and Development Weekend
- An electronic Message Board
- A Toolkit of useful information and ideas.
Availability of land is not a prerequisite to starting a project.
What People Have Said About People Planting
"Without the advice, support, enthusiasm and expertise of Green Light's
People Planting team, I am certain our project would never have started, as
the range of depth and knowledge required was initially quite"- Susan
Hollister, Chair, 'Wildwood' Needham Market. People Planting is featured as
a case study in the Regional Woodland Strategy for the East of England
Without the advice, support, enthusiasm and expertise of Green Light's
People Planting team, I am certain our project would never have started, as
the range of depth and knowledge required was initially quite"
- Susan Hollister, Chair, 'Wildwood' Needham Market.
“The work of Green Light Trust meets very well our criteria of funding
innovative and creative ways to bring information and opportunities to a
wide audience. We are therefore delighted to be supporting their work”
Sarah Shillito, Senior Manager, The Vodafone UK foundation
“Green Light Trust has been carrying out innovative work for some years and
is helping to meet the Government’s England Forestry Strategy through their
People Planting scheme, successfully focusing on education and community
engagement.” Steve Scott, Eastern Region Conservator, The Forestry
Commission
“Since Green Light Trust has successfully expanded the People Planting
scheme, both in Suffolk and nationwide, it now fulfils a number of the
Councils LA 21 Objectives.”
Peter Holborn, Countryside Management Leader, Suffolk County Council
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News item - May 2004
The Community
The Children
The Wildlife
The Global Kinship
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