Sustainable and adventurous: Tips to celebrate National Tree Week 

25th November 2024

Autumn is renowned the world over for being a beautiful season when vibrant auburn leaves cling to branches and fall to the ground creating a rich, golden blanket. Thanks to the natural beauty that trees provide, it’s an ideal season to venture outdoors. 

With National Tree Week taking place from November 27 to December 5, there’s yet another excuse to get outside and appreciate all the trees around you. It is also a great opportunity for young adventurers to celebrate trees and learn new ways of respecting nature on your next journey. 

Trees play a valuable role in multiple natural and urban settings across the world, from the ancient forests, long standing giant oaks in popular parks, and common trees down your street. Their unique relationship with many natural habitats is immeasurably valuable, so learning to respect trees and the wildlife or people who depend on their existence is one of nature’s greatest lessons. 

To mark this year’s National Tree Week, there are some great facts to consider and a range of volunteering programs, organizations to support, and initiatives to get behind so you can help safeguard trees now and in the future.

Valuing and protecting trees 

If you’re heading out on a nature expedition to some place that is abundant with trees, National Tree Week is an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with trees and the essential role they play in maintaining Earth's delicate ecological balance. In fact, trees are the planet's natural lungs, and not only do they fight climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing life-giving oxygen, they can nurture and save the wildlife and creatures that live on and near them and support the whole biodiversity of the environment around them. 

Fortunately, tree protection and addressing the threat many species face is globally recognized. According to a recent IUCN report from Columbia, one-third of the world’s 57,000 tree species are now considered endangered, more than any animals or wildlife combined. Although the world is aware that orangutans, rhinos, gorillas, turtles, and elephants are some of the most endangered animals on the planet, the report suggests that endangered tree species are not so well known. In fact, there remains a certain level of ‘plant blindness’ and a tendency to overlook trees and plants.

Appreciating your natural environment

Learning about preserving trees is one part of climate action and is a collective and global movement. There's no better way to appreciate the importance of trees than to experience diverse forest ecosystems firsthand. When you’re next traveling or exploring Europe on a Christmas holiday, take the time to look and appreciate the variety of trees around you. In doing so, you can learn the value of native trees and species in different countries, and in contrasting countryside or urban settings.

Whether it's hiking through the countryside on your doorstep, visiting a park conservation project, or exploring Lisbon’s forests, traveling is an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the natural world. If you’re in Europe, you might want to look up organizations such as Fern, whose aim is to protect forests and the indigenous people and native species who inhabit or depend on trees for their livelihood and long-term future. Or, there might be local programs and conservation events you can sign up for. 

If you’re planning a trip at home or overseas, educational groups and volunteer programs can inspire you to become more knowledgeable and responsible for the local ecosystems you visit in the world. You can also join or get in contact with organizations like American Forests who have planted more than 65 million trees since 1990. Together, these environmental projects make a measurable impact by transforming and treasuring natural landscapes, sharing knowledge, and supporting local communities. They’re also not only active and enjoyable projects to be a part of, they offer invaluable experiences.

Realizing the health benefits of green locations

In addition to supporting the ecosystems they’re rooted to and the creatures living on or besides them, trees are beneficial to your health. Being close to trees or ‘forest bathing’ can boost well-being, and improve your overall physical and health by lowering stress levels, reducing anxiety, and alleviating feelings of depression.

For instance, tree-planting safeguard the future of trees, and enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and provide opportunities for community engagement and environmental education. Trees also provide natural habitat for countless species, prevent soil erosion, and help regulate the planet’s climate. With all these benefits in mind, it’s important to realize why the world needs its trees. 

Getting involved in tree conservation


Although national days raise awareness about the plight of forests, plants, and the urgency to protect native trees, there are a range of activities that you can take part in throughout the year or places you can travel to appreciate the colorful foliage of autumn trees. These might also support environmental conservation and they might include everything from educational initiatives to hands-on nature-based projects. 

However, for students, teachers, and young travelers eager to combine adventures abroad with environmental education, numerous voluntary programs offer invaluable experiences that youngsters can take forward into their future careers and personal passions. 

Alternative activities promote reforestation. You might choose to conduct research into virtual forests that address wider issues of deforestation. If you’re involved in a local project, collect sample leaves to study native trees or donate tree saplings to parks, schools, and urban spaces. Other community, national, and international tree-oriented projects include:

  • Joining a tree care program 
  • Participating in urban forest mapping projects
  • Volunteering for local park clean-up events
  • Starting a school or community garden
  • Signing up to junior forest ranger program
  • Becoming a member of a conservation association's internship

Making a lasting impact

Whether you're a student, teacher, or relative, there are many ways to get involved in tree conservation efforts. Start by researching local conservation groups and their volunteer needs. Plan visits to national parks and forest preserves and connect with international organizations focused on environmental protection. If you’re active on social media, you can always share your experiences to inspire others and stay engaged with forest conservation groups.

As you celebrate National Tree Week, your conservation efforts count whether you’re planting a single tree or signing up to a forest conservation project, you're contributing to a greener, more sustainable future full of lush trees that make the planet unique.

Author Bio: Annie Button is a freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in business development, branding, sustainability, digital marketing and HR. An English Literature graduate, Annie has written for a variety of prestigious online and print publications.

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