Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022-2023 - Flipbook - Page 8
On our way to
5 million trees
Connecting with community
groups, connecting with nature
TCV’s free community tree pack
programme, I Dig Trees, supported
by OVO and other partners, had one
of our best years to date, planting
1 million trees in community green
spaces across the UK.
The programme worked with
thousands of community groups to
help benefit the climate, wildlife and
communities. In 2022, we reached
our target of planting 3 million trees,
moving us closer to TCV’s pledge to
plant 5 million by 2025. Over 60,000
packs of mixed variety native trees
were distributed throughout the year.
To date, thousands of community
volunteers have been involved with
the phenomenon, covering 17.4
million square meters and saving
1,024,000 tonnes of CO2!
“Together, since 2015, we’ve
absolutely smashed our target. But
we’re not done there. Now we want
more local community groups to take
practical action to tackle the climate
and ecological emergency.” Darren
York, Chief Executive, TCV
“The Conservation Volunteers and
OVO Energy have been working
together for the past seven years,
and in that time, 76,000 volunteers
have planted trees that we have
funded via the partnership. That’s
an incredible 450,000 hours spent
planting trees right here in the UK.
As those trees grow, they’re going
to absorb over a million tonnes of
carbon dioxide.” Alex Moczarski,
Proposition Manager, OVO Energy
At TCV we are thrilled to have played
a pivotal role in the remarkable
Creating Natural Connections
project, working closely with the
Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT)
and generously supported by the
National Heritage Lottery Fund. Over
the course of five years, this visionary
initiative was dedicated to enhancing
Cumbernauld’s greenspaces,
transforming a remarkable 230
hectares of woodland into thriving
natural havens. Our work in the town
included planting over 13,000 trees,
creating 250 meters of hedgerow,
restoring 3 urban peat bogs, and
installing 3 wildlife ponds, all crucial
steps in revitalising and preserving
vital habitats for wildlife.
The establishment and nurturing
of community group the Nature
Ninjas has been one of the project’s
standout achievements. This
passionate and dedicated group, led
by TCV, actively contributed 960
hours of their time to vital habitat
restoration and conservation efforts.
From scything to invasive species
removal, their commitment and
hard work have been instrumental in
complementing the project’s largescale works, ensuring a thriving
environment for both wildlife and the
local community.
8TCV Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022-23
Another key highlight of the Creating
Natural Connections project has been
the development and implementation
of the Wild Ways Well programme.
Our innovative initiative aimed to
improve the wellbeing and mental
health of participants through
engaging nature-based sessions.
Over the years, Wild Ways Well has
been attended by 284 individuals,
experiencing the transformative
effects of connecting with nature
in Cumbernauld’s greenspaces.
The success of this programme has
been recognised through additional
funding, ensuring its continuation
beyond the project’s delivery phase.
Our partnership with SWT and
the unwavering support of the
National Heritage Lottery Fund have
been vital in driving the success
of Creating Natural Connections.
Together, we have made a lasting
impact on Cumbernauld’s natural
heritage, fostering a deeper
connection between people
and nature, and leaving a legacy
of improved green spaces that
benefit both wildlife and the local
community. As the project concludes
in 2023, we are filled with pride and
gratitude for the positive change
we have achieved and the natural
connections we were able to foster.
