By Jenny Duff
It’s National Tree Week 2024 from 23rd November to 1st December and Thanet Urban Forest is celebrating all-things-tree by organising Tree Walks in parks and woodland in Thanet.
National Tree Week (NTW), from The Tree Council and partners, marks the traditional start of the winter tree planting season. At this time of year, trees are dormant and so experience the least stress when being placed in their new homes – to hopefully thrive into maturity, bringing huge nature, wellbeing and biodiversity benefits to all.
Peter Hasted from Thanet Urban Forest, said: “National Tree Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about the vital role urban trees play in our communities. “It’s a time to reflect on the beauty, history, and ecological value that trees bring to our lives, especially here in Thanet.
“For the third year running, we’re inviting residents and visitors to join us on a series of guided walks, where they’ll have the chance to discover some of Thanet’s most hidden and magical trees.
“From Ramsgate and Margate to Westbrook, Broadstairs, and Birchington, each walk reveals unique stories and fascinating details about the trees that enrich these landscapes. Whether it’s a majestic holm oak or a magnificent monkey puzzle, every tree tells its own story. “National Tree Week is a wonderful moment to connect with nature, support local greenery, and champion Thanet as a ‘Civic arboretum’.”
Frances Tophill, from BBC Gardeners’ World is the Patron of Thanet Urban Forest. She said: “Trees are so important for habitat, beauty, shelter, carbon storage, promotion of plant communities and interactions, temperature regulation, and adding oxygen to our atmosphere. Trees are beings who offer so much to the world around us. Their steady, unchanging presence should never be taken for granted and this is National Tree Week so we should all take a moment to appreciate these majestic plants. And if we can, plant one or two so that the important job they do can continue hundreds of years into the future.”
Walks will guided by tree expert Peter Hasted, Find out more and book your place on the website HERE or sign up HERE to be sent Thanet Urban Forest news directly to your email inbox
Tree Walks when and where:
- Sat 23 Nov, 10am: Ellington Park
- Sat 23 Nov, 2pm: George VI Park
- Sun 24 Nov, 10am: Dane Park
- Sun 24 Nov, 2pm: St Peter’s Churchyard
- Sat 30 Nov, 2pm: Sunken Garden, Westbrook
- Sun 1 Dec, 10am: Hartsdown & Tivoli Parks
- Sun 1 Dec: 2pm: Quex Park & Gardens
Sally, a previous Tree Walk attendee, said: “Last year’s tree walk in Hartsdown Park, led by Peter Hasted, was most enjoyable and informative. Peter spoke about the trees present in the park, naming and talking about the different characteristics of many trees we otherwise take for granted on our walks through and around the area.
“Everyone learned something new and enjoyed the experience. Opportunities for questions from the group helped clarify our understanding of what we were seeing and learning together.
“A very interesting and very informative walk, which comes highly recommended.”
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said: “We are delighted to be celebrating National Tree Week, which provides a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together for the love of trees.
“Trees and hedgerows help us tackle climate change, provide homes for wildlife, improve our health and so much more. We need to help them back and by getting involved, you’ll be part of growing a greener, tree-filled future for all of us.
“We’re so grateful to everyone across the UK for taking part in National Tree Week”
Find out more about Thanet Urban Forest Tree Walks at thaneturbanforest.org.uk
