Shoreham eco project plants trees to combat climate crisis

A team of 15 volunteers from in and around Shoreham was assembled last Friday by More Tree Please founder Chris Platt.

Everyone got stuck in and helped to plant the trees as a community eco effort to help combat climate change.

The More Trees Please project was launched last winter with the aim to plant trees around Shoreham, anywhere and everywhere that permission could be granted.

Chris was moved to respond to the current climate crisis, saying tree planting could have ‘mind-blowing potential’ to tackle the issue.

In the first phase, Chris was in talks with Adur District Council, including looking at possible planting sites on Adur Recreation Ground with arboricultural inspector Liam Lord.

Chris said: “My hope is that the project will inspire and connect the local community to support all stages from fundraising, through to planting and maintaining trees.”

Volunteers at Dogs Trust planted 26 trees, including scots pine, willow, holm oak and both Italian and common alders – all of which are able to withstand the sea air in this area.

Chris said: “When I approached Dogs Trust and asked about planting trees, they were very keen and I knew it would be a perfect start. I was incredibly happy with the turnout, everyone had lots of fun during the planting and I can’t wait to do another event like this.

“This is simply phase one of our project to tackle the climate crisis – we have more than 500 trees to plant in the next few years.”

One tree planted in particular was special to Dogs Trust Shoreham staff, as the ashes of Ricki, a much-loved furry friend, was buried under a tree in his favourite field.

Chris is now appealing to people of Shoreham and the surrounding areas, encouraging anyone who has the space to plant shrubs and trees to contact him to help reach his goal.

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/more-trees-to make a donation. To enquire about planting trees, contact Chris on 07919 823923.