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A woman and young girl working together outdoors

Volunteer and become a Citizen Forester

Join the movement

Citizen Forester is a way for anyone to join in and show support for our mission to plant trees, look after trees and create a culture of trees.

Citizen Foresters are united by a desire to show their support for what we do. We want to harness the collective power of people by bringing together those who are super-passionate about trees and climate change, with those of us who are perhaps seeking to rekindle a connection to trees and nature, for better health, wellbeing and life prospects.

Read more about community engagement

 

What is Citizen Forester?

Citizen Forester aims to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Improve the quality of the urban forest to benefit wildlife and for everyone to enjoy
  • Improve the quality of life for people who participate
  • Provide a way for people to feel part of a movement, taking positive action for Greater Manchester in tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency.

There is lots of evidence that shows that human beings need access to the natural world. There is further evidence that suggests that nature-based activities that encourage interaction with the natural world provide even more health benefits – through mindfulness contact with nature, increased physical activity and a deeper connection with other people (or conversely some on your own to reflect!). 

Citizen Forester provides a way for people to access these health and wellbeing benefits through participation. 

 

A project officer taking part in pond dipping with two children in Bury

Frequently asked questions

Citizen Foresters come from all walks of life! People’s motivation for taking part in Citizen Forester varies wildly – all are welcome.  Naturally, we have nature lovers who flock to take part, but we also have total newbies to environmental volunteering and those who are seeking to change their life course, by feeling better mentally, physically or socially.

Citizen Foresters can get involved and show their support for City of Trees in lots of ways!  This might typically involve volunteering time and getting hands dirty taking on practical conservation jobs such as tree planting, woodland management and neighbourhood greening projects.  It may also include more technical and special activities such as i-tree surveying, tree disease ID.

Some people simply show their support by just spreading the word about how good trees are and pledging their support through a personal donation or showing off our brand.

Citizen Forester is our main way of engaging with communities.  It is inclusive and open to all, and we aim to create an experience that is both fun and enjoyable whilst addressing some of our bigger challenges around employment, health & wellbeing, climate change and nature recovery.  It seeks to create the right opportunities for everyone.

If you’d like to find out more about our Citizen Forester programme then please get in touch with our team and they’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Contact us

More ways to take action as an individual