At the recent COP15 conference, negotiators gathered to thrash out a global plan to save nature. Global biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate.

The WWF have warned that mammals, birds, amphibians and fish have seen an average decline of 69 per cent since 1970.

The global picture may look bleak, but take heart dear reader, there’s lots we can, and are doing about it right here in Camden.

Did you know we have a Camden Forest here in our borough?

Started in 2019, the Camden Forest aims to create a new urban forest of 2025 new young trees by 2025. We are giving away bare root tree whips to you wonderful Camdener’s to plant and care for. Look out for a Camden Forest giveaway near you.

We have also given out 50 fruit trees to Camden schools, and will be planting hedgerows at schools which are on busy roads. Camden-made birdboxes will also be given out to nurseries in February.

Ham & High: Debbie Bourne urges residents to get planting treesDebbie Bourne urges residents to get planting trees (Image: Debbie Bourne)

Communi-trees is another fantastic project where mature trees are planted in estates across the borough, and a teenage Camden Forester, who lives on the estate, is paid to water them. We say, let’s keep it local!

Communi-trees piloted in the Peckwater and Goldington estates. This winter 60 more Communi-trees will be planted. By spring 2023 we will have likely created opportunities for at least 10 young Camden Foresters.

The Camden Forest is a great example of business, community and council working together. The project is funded by the Koko foundation.

So, two questions:

  1. How can you help?
  2. What is a boozy hedge.

 

Well, here are four things you can do:

  1. Host a Camden Forest tree giveaway. We will give you the trees!
  2. Get Communi-trees planted on your estate
  3. Join the Camden Forest core group.
  4. Calling all businesses…come and get planting! We need your corporate volunteers. Getting involved is a fun way to make to a real difference to both Nature and local communities!

 

Together, let’s raise a glass, or a spade, and spread our flourishing eco-system across Camden.

As to the boozy hedge… Did you know that blackthorn is one of the shrubs that can planted in hedgerows. Blackthorn = sloes = sloe gin. Plant one in your garden.

Cheers!

For more information: camdenforest2025.wordpress.com or contact: info@thinkanddocamden.org.uk

Debbie Bourne is a Think&Do Activator and author (amazon.co.uk/High-Heeled-Gardener-Romance-Comedy-Book-ebook/dp/B0BN9NN9PX)