Conservation Charity Seeks Final Donations for Forest Creation Project

A conservation organization is issuing a concluding plea for contributions to support its initiative to establish a new forest. Avon Needs Trees acquired Wick Farm, a 420-acre property situated between Bristol and Bath, in May, and is now preparing to plant 100,000 trees with the aim of converting it into Lower Chew Forest. A crowdfunding effort, designed to cover the costs of saplings and necessary equipment, surpassed its initial target of £50,000, leading the charity to increase its fundraising goal to £80,000. The organization currently has slightly more than 24 hours remaining to secure the outstanding £12,000 required to achieve its revised objective. Following the conclusion of the fundraising initiative, 1,200 volunteers are prepared to plant trees, establish hedgerows, and sow wildflower meadows during the upcoming winter season. Avon Needs Trees aims to enhance woodland coverage within the area known as the Bristol Avon catchment, where it reports the current coverage stands at merely 7.8% against a national average of 13.2%, alongside fostering improved biodiversity. Furthermore, the undertaking has the potential to offer advantages to the local populace by contributing to their protection against severe weather conditions. Tom Le Fanu, who serves as the head of engagement, communications, and fundraising for the charity, informed BBC Bristol that Compton Dando, a village in close proximity, frequently faces the threat of flooding. He stated, “Tree roots act as a sponge holding all that water and making sure it doesn’t hit rivers really quickly or all at the same time.” He added, “We are really hoping Lower Chew Forest will have a really big impact on the flooding which is a such a big issue for the community at the moment.” He further remarked: “I was standing on the top of the northern field the other day and you can see where the water has carved out these runnels and is just stripping away the topsoil.” The conversion of productive agricultural land can often be a source of contention within rural communities, and Mr Le Fanu noted that Avon Needs Trees’ initiatives occasionally encounter “scepticism” from nearby residents. He explained, “We’ve worked really closely with those local communities to make sure they can input into our plans, we often adapt our plans around their feedback.” He continued, “In lots of cases its really encouraging to see the journey that some of the neighbours come on with us – going from a place of maybe a bit of scepticism, then some of them end up being really strong advocates and volunteering with us on a regular basis.” The crowdfunding initiative by Avon Needs Trees is set to conclude at 16:30 GMT on Wednesday.