The charity Protect Earth is tackling the biodiversity and climate crises by creating and restoring natural ecosystems throughout the UK, including woodland.

They work with landowners to plant trees and also buy degraded farmland to reforest themselves, in collaboration with environmental organisations and local volunteers. Projects may include natural regeneration, on-going site management and removal of invasive species.

If you are looking to create woodland, Protect Earth can provide invaluable support, from sourcing trees from the right seed provenance, getting them delivered, arranging volunteers, and even managing the volunteers on the day. A contribution of 50p/tree is requested towards costs; they can also help with applying for grant funding when this is available.

For those with established woodland but feeling daunted by the need to remove invasive species such as rhododendron, Protect Earth are able to provide advice and oversee projects. A financial contribution to the work is likely to be needed but grant options can be investigated.

Take a look at some of Protect Earth’s projects and please contact them for more information about the support that they can provide to small woodland and meadow owners. You can also volunteer or donate towards their inspiring work.

The charity is currently crowdfunding to create and restore a range of habitats including wet woodland on the banks of the river Avon near Bath. Phil Sturgeon explains more about the project and its potential benefits for both wildlife and local flood management in this short film.