Ecological transplantation method to be introduced in the UK
The More Trees Now initiative is kicking off in Wakelyns Agroforestry Suffolk , 24 November 2023
At the start of the National Tree Week Wakelyns Agroforestry Suffolk is hosting an event on the “circular transplantation method” from Meer Bomen Nu. More Trees Now, or Meer Bomen Nu in Dutch, is an initiative from across the canal that has managed to plant 1.4 million trees in the span of a few winters in what is the most densely populated country in Europe. The project has over 10.000 active participants, using technology to connect foresters, wardens, estates, farmers, and other helpers to transplant unwanted seedlings to locations where they can reach maturity. The subsequent increase in trees and bushes supports biodiversity and captures CO2 to combat climate change. All are invited to join the demonstration!
Yes, I will join to save these trees!
More Trees Now
‘Meer Bomen Nu’ is a citizen’s movement to transplant seedlings from locations where they are unwanted to locations where they are wanted. Every winter thousands of volunteers harvest neglected saplings (0.5m to 2M high) that are otherwise removed by routine land management, machine chipping or will die through competition with mother trees for resources like water, space and light. These saplings are kept, healed in a network of circa 150 voluteer-run treehubs, to be distributed before winters end in festive giveaways. These planting locations can become harvest locations again in 10 years, making the method scalable and unlimited. After three years of variable weather and climate conditions, the survival rate of these saplings are between 70-80% on average.
“I could never have imagined when I developed this method 13 years ago that it would grow into the national, almost international movement that it is now. We have so much experience to share and we are hopeful that if enough people join us we can rewild and regenerate our environment” – Ecologist Franke van der Laan
The campaign has replenished and strengthened citizen involvement in forestry and land management throughout the Netherlands, given farmers free and diverse planting materials for new agroforestry initiatives and has provided a space for concrete action for anyone worried about our current climate and biodiversity crisis.
Road show throughout UK, Scotland and Ireland
This event is the start of a week-and-a-half long roadshow to showcase the method. During which the organisers are hoping to connect with land owners, tree managers, farmers, ecologists, community organisers, volunteers, educators, and anyone interested in a community based ecosystem restoration.
“We are delighted to be the first venue for the first UK “roadshow” of Dutch NGO MeerBomenNu (which means MoreTreesNow) as part of their European Tree Campaign. Wakelyns will be hosting them for two sessions: afternoon of Friday 24 November and morning of Saturday 25 November.” – David Wolfe Wakelyns Agroforestry
Each session will include a practical exchange on the ecological, social, technical and organisational aspects of the project, providing you with hands-on experience to replicate the method yourself.
