District 1040 Environmental Competition 2016 Winning Entry

This is the winning entry from Bradford Blaize for the District 1040 Environmental Competition: -

For the last five years Rotary Club of Bradford Blaize members have carried out tree plantings in conjunction with BEAT - the Bradford Environmental Action Trust - and their Forest of Bradford project. This organisation, which relies on voluntary help, plans to plant one million trees in the Bradford district which has a level of woodland coverage totalling just 4.2% - less than half of the national average. The half millionth tree was planted in 2013.

The Club has provided the funding for, and carried out to date, six plantings each of up to one thousand trees. This money pays forthe young trees, stakes and plastic protectors. On two occasionshalf of the funding was provided by Rotary District grants.

Plantings at Oxenhope, Kildwick, Addingham, Silsden and Wilsden have been done in the winter months, often in adverse weather conditions. This year the Telegraph & Argus reported "Rotarians braved heavy rain, sleet and snow to plant trees and bushes at Cold Well Farm, Wilsden”. On average, two thirds of Club members and some supporters have been involved in each of the plantings. In 2012 the planting was dedicated to The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Club plans to continue with this activity in the coming years in order to help BEAT to achieve its one million trees target which will enhance the environment in the Bradford district.