THE average person can make a difference to climate change without becoming a dedicated activist, a new initiative says.
Seeds2Trees has been launched by Hexham-based Living Woods North East.
The project is appealing for people, community groups and schools prepared to commit two years to growing British native tree seeds into saplings, with regular support and advice.
An Aviva Community Fund has raised £6,725 to kickstart the project. Living Woods North East gave thanks to people who donated.
"Our sincere appreciation to the local community for donating, Aviva employees, and business sponsorship by Northern Structures Ltd, and MH Southern and Co. Ltd.," a spokesperson said.
Crowdfunding will end on Wednesday, September 21. After this, live links will be on Living Woods' website for people to register their interest, or email seeds2trees@livingwoodsnortheast.org.uk.
After two years, saplings will be collected and replanted in North East woodlands.
50,000 trees are expected to be grown over five years, absorbing 500,000 kilograms of C02 yearly after planting.
Lara Bell-Sayers, Seeds2Trees Project Manager, said: "The trees will reduce C02, improve woodland across the North East and improve biodiversity."
Lara said the general individual can make a difference, even if they're not a climate change activist.
She said climate change is 'such a big problem we think we can't do anything about it', but that is not true.
"By putting trees back into the land, we're stopping soil erosion and preserving the land we live in.
"There's also the importance of the individual, growing seeds is a longterm investment for both them and climate change.
"There's a definite science working with nature, it helps the individual with wellbeing because they're nurturing something - there's a lot of benefits around it we want to encourage."
Another key part is inclusivity - even people without gardens living in urban areas can get involved.
"It's an easy, attainable project to get involved in.
"If they live in a town, they don't have to have a garden or an allotment, this is for everyone," she said.
Seeds2Trees wants to work with schools and community groups, educate them about climate change issues, and nurture their environmental understanding, bringing it into the school curriculum and potentially change behaviours affecting climate change in different ways.
"There will be a direct impact, with reduced C02 and the benefits on people, having the agency to do something tangible," Lara said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here