Summer of Exploration Newsletter
A new leaf for 9Trees newsletters.
In our second update of 2023, you’re invited to explore new thinking, possibilities and opportunities - delve into this newsletter as though it’s the last of its kind… because… it is!
Find out what’s changing below, but first a word from 9Trees co-founder and director, Michael Cunningham:
Since starting 9Trees with a small group of committed individuals, the organisation has blossomed and our remit has expanded considerably. With the energy of summer behind us, we’re making significant changes to our operations at 9Trees.
Today, we are;
Turning over a new leaf as we introduce our new newsletter format.
Branching out with new ways for landowners to join 9Trees.
Expanding our family tree with new team member.
We can’t wait to hear your feedback - do let us know what you think. @9TreesUK #9TreesUK
Now, enjoy!
Stay Connected and Make a Bigger Impact:
Update Your 9Trees Preferences Today.
Our newsletter is expanding to better serve you!
We respect your time and understand that we can’t fit all 9Trees happenings into just four emails per year. From today, we'll be streamlining our quarterly newsletters and adding four all-new, preference-based mini-mailers, each tailored to your interests.
The quarterly newsletter will still cover company-wide news, but the mini-mailers will dig deeper into topics that matter most to you. Don’t miss our Volunteer Facebook Group - a new community based on a love for giving back to the world.
We’ve attached these colours to stories through this newsletter. Stories with neutral backgrounds are the likes that remain in the quarterly newsletter.
Please, take a moment to update your details, preferences and areas of interest, so we can tailor our communications to your needs and interests.
We recommend subscribing to multiple newsletters - each is packed with insights and updates. You can change your preferences using these links at any point, but don't worry, your inbox won't get swamped: we will only send maximum one newsflash per month in each extra category.
By doing so, you'll help us build a stronger, more effective community that's focused on positive action on the ground.
Branching out - the new way!
New Landowner Plans
At 9Trees, we're thrilled to announce an all-new offering for UK Landowners - Branching Out, specially designed to be more accessible compared to our traditional package.
Branching Out is for landowners who wish to contribute to a greener future through any of the following:
Plant between 9 and 9000 trees
9Trees providing stakes & tree guards for planting
Develop agroforestry
Enhance hedgerow biodiversity
A hands-off approach, with annual check-ins from 9Trees
As we grow in our commitment to environmental conservation, we understand that each landowner's needs are unique. The Branching Out provides more accessibility and customisation options to suit your specific requirements.
Get exclusive, first-look access to our Branching Out Overview, when you sign up to the new Landowners’ mini-mailer ONLY ‘TIL END OF AUGUST!
This invaluable resource will guide you through the new features of the Branching Out plan compared to the traditional plan; 50 stages & 50 years. We can help you decide which option best suits your unique land and conservation goals.
Click here to update your preferences to include the Landowner mini-mailer
Read stories of Landowners already growing trees in our 50 stages & 50 years plan
Your land holds the potential to contribute to a greener, more vibrant future.
It’s time to embark on a fulfilling journey with 9Trees to create nature-rich biodiverse woodlands throughout the UK - sign up today.
Tree planting sites
Photos from recent site visits to landowners
Mike visits our Derbyshire site, with his mum, Erika.
“It’s such a great feeling to take my mum to the sites in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
You can see all the grasses and flowers providing nectar and a food source for all the insects, the trees in Burton upon Trent have established well and the 2nd year of growth in Derbyshire is pushing up through the weeds as we did ‘Eco Matting’. ”
Erika Cunningham ‘I wish I could spend all day here, its such a peaceful and tranquil space, and I’m definitely visiting again to see how they progress in years to come. I may even get the steam train from Matlock to Northwood to see the trees next time!’
We’ve planted 1500 trees at our Derbyshire site, with the support of landowner Richard Simkins.
We also have new sites in Carmarthenshire, Powys, Fife - and more in the pipeline.
Click here to update your preferences to include more about Landowners.
Adventure
Go and Explore
NEW Annual Pass - visit ANY sites in 12 months
With this annual pass, you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore any of our woodland sites throughout the UK for an entire year. Click here to discover the locations of our stunning woodland sites.
Once signed up, we’ll send you Woodland Walkabout sheets to give you information about the woodland where your trees are planted and tell you what you need to know if you decide to visit the woodland.
Not only that, but 1 tree will also be planted in your name within our biodiversity sites.*
*Hedgerows, shelterbelts, replanting and a portion of funds allocated towards Agroforestry
Team news
Expanding our family tree
For our third big update, we want to shout about our fantastic new team members.
At 9Trees, our team is ever-growing and developing. With free training and role progression, budding volunteers quickly move into paid roles. Here are two of the newest members of our team and their stories:
New Volunteer Social Media Manager
- Sophie
loves to be surrounded by nature, and is very passionate about doing what she can to make the world a brighter place.
Having previously volunteered for different causes, Sophie’s very excited to be helping contribute to the work 9Trees does through volunteering.
New Business Development Manager -
Eirini
is an avid hiker who is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of climate change on the natural world and encouraging companies to play a role in its preservation and protection.
Originally a 9Trees volunteer, Eirini’s now our Paid 2 Days a week Business Development Manager.
We have a diverse range of roles to suit people of all abilities and interests, from the outdoor lover to the number cruncher. Our work ethos is friendly and our working hours flexible. If you could spare a few hours a week, we want to hear from you!
Volunteer
Special thanks
How many rugby players does it take to move 10,000 Stakes and guards for 23/24 9Trees planting?
Just one if it’s Ospreys under 18 Oliver Addis-Fuller!
Huge thank you to Oliver who helped at our storage at Erwood Station Craft Centre near Builth Wells. He plays for Under 18 Ospreys and also won Player of the Year for his local team Bryncoch RFC Youth Team.
If you think you could make a difference by lending your time, join our new Facebook Group Community where we will post opportunities, stories, initiatives and so much more.
Testimonials
Can you give us a review?
We have recently added a testimonial page to our website, featuring the experiences and feedback of our partners and supporters.
Can you give us a testimonial to let others know about your experience?
Business
New Business Partners
This season, we’re excited to welcome Three new business partners at 9Trees - both adopting incredible eco initiatives.
Don’t forget to add Business to your preferences centre.
Green Overhead is a huge UK-based online surf shop.
Green Overhead aims to create a more sustainable surf industry and offer a platform where customers can feel positive and confident in their products.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability and is committed to reducing its environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials and packaging in their products.
Green Overhead will plant a tree for every surfboard they sell - they sold 200 surfboards last year!
Green Overhead Press Release
The Landscape Show is an event dedicated to the landscaping industry.
It aims to inspire and educate attendees through a diverse range of exhibitors, seminars, and networking opportunities.
The Landscape Show also highlights its commitment to sustainability and promoting environmentally-friendly practices within the landscaping sector.
Green Small Business exists to support SMEs in taking authentic climate action through providing practical and impactful support.
Services include carbon footprinting, environmental management systems, environmental certification, training, consultancy and building/energy assessments.
Green Small Business now support 9Trees.
Blogs
See what’s new!
Winged wonders: How birds shape the biodiversity of UK woodlands by Annie Button.
Life after death: The importance of deadwood in our forests by George Havill.
See all our fantastic blogs or join our writing team on our website here.
Events
Where we’ve been…
The 9Trees volunteers have been out and about at various events recently.
Check this out…
LUSH COSMETICS
Yzzy and Hannah headed to LUSH Cosmetics in Cabot Circus Bristol, where they were donating all Charity Pot profits to 9Trees for a weekend in June. They raised a superb £252.98, equal to 25 trees.
How the Light Gets In!
A great weekend was had by all when Joel, Yzzy and Clara went to How The Light Gets In Festival in Hay-on-Wye to promote all things 9Trees.
Timber Festival
Yzzy, Erika and Mike went to Leicestershire for a Woodland heavy festival - Join us next year!
Join our new Facebook Group for all the latest on our
Volunteer stories, opportunities and general updates:
Events
Where we’re going next…
Check out our brand new events page on the 9Trees website for where to find us this summer.
We’re on the look-out for volunteers to join us at the following events:
VALLEY FEST - August 3rd Near Bristol
HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN - September 23rd London
Remember!
We can’t wait to share our all-new mini-mailers with you - so make sure you let us know which ones you want! We can’t send them without your consent!
QUESTIONS
We are always available to answer any questions you may have and provide any assistance needed: