Roots for Rivers
Thanks to your generous donations, the Roots for Rivers campaign has had a lasting impact on our rivers, improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and creating healthier landscapes. Your support has been crucial in the fight to restore our rivers and protect wildlife, and together, we have already achieved remarkable progress.
How Your Donations Have Helped Restore River Health Through Tree Planting
Your donations have funded tree planting in vital catchment areas, with each tree playing a key role in improving river health, reducing flooding, and enhancing local biodiversity. Here is how your contributions have transformed these important landscapes:
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655 trees planted in schools: These trees are not just greening the environment—they are also teaching the next generation about the importance of river health and conservation, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.
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550 trees along the Onny: This area is particularly vulnerable to water quality issues. The trees planted along the riverbanks reduce soil erosion, prevent pollution from entering the water, and help stabilise the land, ultimately improving water quality and protecting the local ecosystem.
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Under Severn Woodlands: We successfully created 21.84 hectares of new woodland, planting 18,481 trees. These new woodlands play a vital role in reducing flooding by acting as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing water flow into the river. They also provide habitats for wildlife and sequester carbon, helping to fight climate change.
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4,800 trees on the Kyre: By planting trees along the riverbanks, we reduced erosion and improved water quality. These trees also offer a natural habitat for local species, creating a healthier environment for wildlife. The final 936 trees have now been planted, further strengthening this vital ecosystem.
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600 trees along the Illey Brook: These trees improve water quality by shading the water, helping to maintain cooler temperatures and supporting aquatic species. They are also contributing to biodiversity by providing shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals.
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4,822 trees in the Welsh catchments: These trees enhance waterway health by stabilising riverbanks, filtering pollutants, and creating vital wildlife habitats. They also play a crucial role in flood prevention and improving water quality across these areas.
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The Rea catchment: With 5,250 trees already planted and 85 more along the riverbanks, we have improved the river’s health and supported the ecosystem. An additional 562 trees were planted, further increasing the resilience of this catchment area.
Total Impact: 36,400 Trees Planted
This season, we planted an impressive 36,400 trees across the catchments we are working in. These trees are making a substantial difference in the health of our rivers, improving water quality, stabilising riverbanks, and supporting biodiversity.
Why It Matters: The Environmental Benefits of Tree Planting for Rivers
Tree planting along riverbanks offers a variety of environmental benefits, all of which help improve the health of the river and surrounding ecosystem:
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Reducing Soil Erosion: Trees act as natural barriers, stabilising riverbanks and reducing the movement of soil into the water. This prevents sediment pollution and protects aquatic habitats.
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Improving Water Quality: The roots of trees act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants like nitrates and phosphates, which are harmful to water quality and aquatic life. This helps maintain a healthy, balanced river environment.
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Providing Habitats for Wildlife: Trees create vital habitats for local wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals. This increases biodiversity and supports a thriving ecosystem around our rivers.
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Flood Prevention: Trees help reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing rainwater, allowing it to slowly filter into the soil rather than flowing directly into the river. This helps reduce downstream flooding, protects communities, and maintains healthy river systems.
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Carbon Sequestration: Trees help combat climate change by sequestering carbon. Planting more trees is an effective way to offset carbon emissions and contribute to global climate goals.
Looking Ahead: More Trees, More Impact
The work doesn’t stop here. With your continued support, we can plant even more trees, restore additional habitats, and improve the health of our rivers for future generations. The potential for growth is huge, and we are excited about the impact we can have together.
Thank you for being a part of this vital work. Together, we are creating a greener, healthier future for our rivers, wildlife, and communities. Donate today or get involved to help us continue this important mission.
