LYME Regis based reforestation charity The Word Forest Organisation will be hosting its first tree awareness week from March 15 to 21.
The ‘Trees Are The Key’ Awareness Week will raise awareness of the many health benefits of trees, as well how planting more trees – especially in the tropics where they grown quickly – can help to tackle climate change.
Tracey West, CEO of The Word Forest, said: “Last year was full of uncertainty, loss and hardship for many. Our mental health was tested to the very limit regularly without the anticipation of joy to dissipate it.
“We truly believe that trees are the key to improving our mental and physical health. Science has proven that spending time in and around trees can help boost our immune system, lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and accelerate our recovery from illness amongst many other benefits.
“This is why we are dedicating a week to the awareness of woodlands and the benefit of trees on our mental and physical health.
“We’re encouraging you to spend time in your nearest space with trees to reap the benefits for your health after a punishing year.”
The tree awareness week will commence on Monday, March 15 and will culminate on Sunday, March 21 to tie in with International Day of Forests.
During the week, The Word Forest Organisation will provide lots of ideas to encourage you to spend time at your local park, woodland or forest. Wherever there are trees – there are health benefits.
Tree awareness photography competition
As part of its first ‘Trees Are The Key’ Awareness Week, The Word Forest is launching a photography competition that’s all about trees – the charity wants to see your best images of trees, big small, many or few!
Do you have a favourite tree? A local woodland or forest that you love visiting? Take a quick snap on your phone or set up your camera and tripod to frame it perfectly and enter the competition.
The Word Forest will dedicate the planting of 10 trees to the winning photographer, as well publishing a feature on its website.
The competition closes on March 20 and the winners will be announced at the end of the Awareness Week on March 21.
Learn about the health benefits of trees
The Word Forest Organisation will be sharing information on the many physical and mental health benefits of trees on its website and social media throughout the tree awareness week.
Tracey commented: “We’ll be unlocking the secrets and the science, showing you how to slow down and green up as you connect with the trees in your neighbourhood and favourite places.”
Spending time around trees and nature can:
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve your mood
- Lower blood pressure
- Raise energy levels
- Increase focus
- Enhance recovery from illness
- Boost immune system
- Improve sleep quality
And share the benefits of trees with others!
During its tree awareness week, The Word Forest Organisation is asking supporters to share how trees can help mental health and physical wellbeing.
You can do this by sharing the charity’s video poem (watch above) on your own blog, website or social media channels, as well as the link to its website WordForest.org/week, where you can find out more about the Awarness Week and benefits of trees.
Be a #TreeHero and hold a fundraiser
Supporters can also hold their own fundraiser for The Word Forest Organisation, which will help to plant more trees in the tropics of Kenya.
The charity can create a bespoke web page to help you raise funds, so that way every single penny goes directly to supporting its work.
You can also support the charity by purchasing ethical clothes and products from its online shop at www.wordforest.org/products/
Tracey commented: “Any amount raised will enable us to continue to mitigate climate chaos through tree planting in the tropics.”
You can find out more information about The Word Forest Organisation and the Trees Are The Key Awareness Week at WordForest.org/week
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