Promise Trees

The year of 2020 with Covid 19, will go down in our memories and in history as one we wish to put behind us and move on to better things.
However, it has given us the opportunity to be reflective, to slow down and take stock of the lives we lead. It’s made us realise the frailty of human life and perhaps rebalance what is really important to us all. It has allowed us to tune into the wonders of nature around us, which usually in our busy frenetic lives just pass us by.

Promise Trees
So here is my idea – we can all make a difference to local wildlife by making a promise to stand up and do something. We can make a “promise” however small or large, to make a difference to the local wildlife environment. (Rather like a New Year’s Resolution) These promises are hung on selective “Promise Trees” around the village. Already {at this point of writing} many organisations are on board and support this scheme. St. Mary’s School, the Village Nursery, all 3 churches have been invited to take part and we have just had approval from the Parish Council for a tree on the top part of the Green to be used for this purpose. The idea is gathering momentum as each day passes.

How does it Work?
During the month of January, selected promise trees will have colourful ribbons wrapped around their trunks indicating that this is a special tree; folks are invited to make a promise to help the wildlife in our environment, write this promise down on a luggage tag provided, and decorate it with or without your name, then hang the promise on one of the trees. These will be taken down and collected for a review towards the end of 2021. The luggage tags with string, will be available from various outlets such as Elliot’s, the Butcher’s, St. Mary’s School, Nursery and the Churches – posters will be put up in places around the village and of course information will be available on local social media sites.

Promise Ideas
Ideas for the promises will be available in lists, so it can be something as simple as “Feeding the Birds”, “Grow a tree from an acorn”,” Put water out for wildlife”, “Make a hole for hedgehogs in your fence”, “Plant some wildflowers in a pot”, “Grow a sunflower”, “ Keep a wildlife diary in your garden” …………. The list is vast and varied.

Caution
When hanging your Promise on a tree, please be mindful not to damage it and break off branches. Young children may need to be supervised whilst hanging up their promises and the surrounding area may be slippery.

Come along and take part in this wonderful local scheme –“Our Wildlife Needs You!!”

“Make Your Promise to Make a Difference in 2021”

Phil Darley