"By gathering seed from trees which are close to our homes and close to our hearts, helping them to germinate and grow, and then planting them back into their original landscapes, we can all make a living link between this millennium and the next, a natural bridge from the past to the future." Professor Chris Baines, Environmentalist and Journalist.

Trees grow bigger, and survive longer than any other living thing on Earth - but although they may take hundreds of years to grow, they take just seconds to cut down, and even the oldest trees won't live forever. In the British Isles we have less tree and woodland cover than almost anywhere else in Europe. We need to plant more trees and woodlands for the next millennium, as a gift to our children, and their children's children.

Each and every tree in the world is useful. Trees help to clean the air we breathe. They are a home for wildlife, and we need them for all the wood and paper that we use. But trees aren't just useful, they're beautiful, too.

For many of us, trees hold fond memories. Whoever we are, and wherever we live, we can find trees which brighten our days, add extra character to a special place, or simply make us feel good. These are the Trees of Time and Place.

"If I knew I was going to die tomorrow, I would still plant a tree today." Martin Luther King

"Plant a tree! Do it!" Tom Cruise

"Trees have always been important to me." Chris Bonnington

Trees with a past as well as a future.

Trees of Time and Place is all about growing your own tree from seed. It's a simple way for you, your family and friends to do something personal and practical that will help to improve your environment.

First of all you need to find a tree that is really special to you - it may be a tree from your past, a tree with a history, or it may be a tree that gives you pleasure now. Gather ripe seeds from your chosen tree. Sow them, grow them, and take care of the seedlings, and when the young trees are big enough, in a year or two, plant this next generation of Trees of Time and Place back into the same familiar landscape.

Your tree will always mark a very special 'Time and Place' for you, but together, all the millions of seedlings will grow up to be the trees and woodlands of the next Millennium.

Choosing your special 'seed' tree.
Do you already have a particular tree in mind? Maybe it's the one you climbed as a child, or perhaps the 'Royal oak' that the local pub is named after. It could be one of the last survivors of the local trees that were typical of your area - or a ceremonial Victorian tree. It could even be a tree that is just one of the hundreds in your favourite wood.
Don't worry if you've yet to find your special tree. With a springtime walk in the woods, a visit to a stately home, or a stroll around the local streets, you're bound to be inspired. Try asking family or friends for their ideas, or just choose a favourite kind of tree that you would like to see more of in your local area.
If you're on the move, there are some particularly good places to visit, where trees are a major attraction. Remember it's best to choose a tree which is in a place that you can visit easily, to gather seed, plant your seedling and then look after it - so trees close to home are the ideal choice for Trees of Time and Place.