As winter’s chill sets in and the trees stand bare, the Ribble Rivers Trust is gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year—tree planting season. From November through to March, we’ll be transforming landscapes across Lancashire, planting an incredible 60 hectares of woodland through our Lancashire Woodland Connect initiative.

But to make this happen, we need your help.

This winter, you can plant the seeds of hope by dedicating a tree to a loved one as a Christmas gift.

For just £15, your gift will be so much more than a simple gesture. It will be a meaningful step towards creating a better future—for nature, for people, and for the planet.

Why Should You dedicate a Tree this christmas?

1. Healthier rivers for all:
Woodlands play a vital role in the fight against pollution and climate change. Trees naturally filter harmful pollutants, improving water quality for vulnerable fish populations like salmon and trout. By providing shade along riverbanks, they also help regulate water temperatures, keeping rivers cooler during hot summers—a lifeline for aquatic species. And that’s not all. The roots of these trees stabilize riverbanks, reducing erosion and sediment pollution, which benefits everyone downstream.

2. Protection for vulnerable communities:
The impacts of flooding can be devastating for homes, businesses, and farmland. Trees act as natural flood defenders, slowing the flow of rainwater into rivers and reducing flood risks for vulnerable communities. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of storms, woodland creation is a vital part of building resilience against future challenges.

3. Homes for wildlife:
From tiny insects to majestic birds, a single tree can support an astonishing variety of life. By donating a tree, you’re helping to create thriving habitats for countless species. Whether it’s hedgehogs sheltering beneath the leaves, bees feeding on nectar, or owls nesting in the branches, your gift will provide safe spaces for wildlife that need them more than ever.

4. A greener planet for future generations:
Trees are nature’s carbon storage experts, absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Each woodland planted through Lancashire Woodland Connect will not only store carbon but also contribute to cooling the planet, combating climate change one tree at a time. Your donation is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

5. Spaces for people to connect with nature:
Life feels better surrounded by trees. Woodlands offer us a place to recharge, reconnect, and breathe deeply. They’re havens of peace, perfect for family adventures, quiet reflection, or simply soaking in the beauty of the natural world. When you donate a tree, you’re creating spaces that will bring joy and wellbeing to people for generations to come.

What Do You Get When You dedicate a Tree?

When you dedicate a tree to a loved one this Christmas, they’ll receive:

  • A beautiful, Christmas-themed certificate to mark their special gift.
  • An update this spring with details about their tree and the woodland they’ve helped create.
  • Annual updates showing their woodland’s growth and impact over time.

More importantly, they’ll know their gift is making a real difference—creating thriving woodlands, improving rivers, and helping to protect our planet.

So, this Christmas, let’s come together to create thriving spaces for nature, cosy homes for wildlife, vital habitats for fish, and healthier soils for farmers. Let’s make this season about giving back—to the planet, to future generations, and to the rivers and wildlife we love.

dedicate a tree today and plant hope for the future.

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