By The Green Parent
13th March 2017
While it’s heartbreakingly lovely to receive conventional baby presents when your child is born, there are only so many Peter Rabbit eggcups and fluffy blankets that a little one can manage to use. A tree or woodland dedication with the Woodland Trust is a thoughtful alternative – a gift that not only helps support the excellent work of the organisation, but also lasts a lifetime.
Dedicating a tree or area of woodland in a baby’s name is a great way to encourage a child to enjoy nature. Choose from a grand old ancient woodland or a newly planted spot that you can visit regularly and will grow alongside the child. A trip to your special dell in a forest is a great way to learn about changing seasons, growth and nature – we love the idea of making your tree special – taking pictures of it in different weather, decorating it on birthdays, wassailing and holding a little ceremony at New Year, and learning all about its species.
The Woodland Trust work with forests and wildlife all over the UK, preserving and conserving trees for their beauty, history and environmental benefits. Gift-givers can ask for an individual tree dedication, or team up with other friends and family to dedicate a larger area of woodland, perhaps even with a bench or engraved marker post with the child’s name on it. Dedications start from a suggested donation of just £15. For more information call 0330 333 3300 or visit woodlandtrustshop.com/baby
