TREE PROJECT

Why are we planting trees

At the current rate of deforestation, there will be not be one tree left standing in Malawi by 2079.  The rapid deforestation is caused by clearing land for tobacco farming, livestock, charcoal making, building, brick making and cooking. The impact being seen on a daily basis in Malawi, with crops failing due to soil infertility, flooding, landslides, loss of habitat and lack of timber!  Forests have the ability to stabilise the climate, reduce flood risks, cool the ground level temperatures, prevent soil erosion restore biodiversity and improve crop yields.  

Where do we plant

We plant in schools to mark boundaries and provide a cooler and more conducive learning environment.

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In shared community forests, to reduce soil erosion, increase biodiversity, prevent landslides and create shade. 

Along waterways, to reduce river bank erosion and flooding. ​

In prisons, to create a diverse forest for timber and agroforestry purposes; this will reduce desertification, the need to buy wood, whilst increasing local food and crop yields.

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In National Parks as a way of sharing knowledge and training to improve conservation efforts through rangers and park management.

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In family units we plant small scale woodlots as a way to provide a sustainable food source, and supply of sustainable firewood and timber.

What the project involves

We work with local government and traditional authorities to protect existing woodland and establish new tree planting locations. 

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We then provide education in communities, schools, prisons, and national parks about the environmentally and economical importance of trees. 

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Training is then provided as to how to plant trees, which species are suitable and how to nurture them.  We facilitate communities to create and enact bylaws, to protect existing and newly planted forests.

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Working with key stakeholders, committees, we facilitate and support local Tree Committees to establish, rear and plant native seedlings.    

Co-operation

Equipping and supporting local communities is essential in all that we do.   Planting trees by ourselves would not only be expensive and labour intensive, but would also remove responsibility and ownership from those who benefit.  We collaborate and work alongside government officials, traditional authorities (village chiefs and elders), schools, National parks staff, prison inmates and staff, school pupils and teachers, large community groups, landowners and individual house holds. This combined and long term support is key to changing attitudes, protecting mature and newly planted trees.

What we are planting

We plant a variety of different trees, always specific to the area and purpose.  On mountain tops and river banks, we plant fast growing native trees, creating natural biodiversity and binding the soil together, reducing erosion and landslides.  In schools we plant trees that are traditionally used to mark the school boundary, as well as trees that provide shade.  In prisons we plant trees that nitrogen fix the soil, boosting the soils natural fertility increasing crop yields.  We support communities to grow sustainable and diverse forests; providing shelter, a food source and a sustainable source of timber.

Education

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Crucial to the success of our work is education.  Teaching about the importance of trees locally and globally, the process of germinating, planting and protecting, as well as coppicing and agroforestry techniques.  Through education we have the ability to shift the social consciousness, to upskill and empower.  The students we teach at assemblies and communities under lonely mature mango trees, leave with a new-found respect for forests and empowered to ‘plant tomorrow today’.

Prevention & protection

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One of the driving forces behind the rapid rate of deforestation in Malawi is that 89% of families do not have access to electricity or gas.  By teaching communities how to build clay efficient stoves (we call these Changu Changu Moto's meaning ‘Fast Fast Fire’), families reduce the firewood required for cooking by up to 70%.  The clay ovens reduce smoke by two thirds, reduces burns from spilt pots, speed up the cooking process and are so efficient that some still have embers the next morning!  Communities receive training on how to construct a Changu Changu Moto in their home, they are then visited to encourage long term use (instead of reverting back to the traditional inefficient 3 stone ‘mafuwa’ method), shown how to maintain the oven and how to sustainably coppice firewood.  

Going forward

Moving forward we are looking to expand this project and plant on larger scales.  The change in attitude towards trees and forests is exciting and now is to time to support these local communities in changing their landscape.  Communities have seen the success of our pilot schemes and are eager to see their woodlands grow.  We called upon the local community to reforest an area called 'Kumuzu View', the turn out was phenomenal and years on they call it their forest, they protect it and are proud of it and it stands as a reminder of what can be achieved.  We are very excited about the future of this project.  If this project resonates with you, you can support us by donating each tree costs just 50p.  With a monthly donation before long you could have funded a small forest.