Kids wish for trees!

More than 80% of Dutch communities including 130,000 children have taken part in an exciting initiative to boost kids interest in trees and the outdoors. So far more than half a million trees have been planted as a direct result of this initiative.

Plus throughout the Netherlands, 8500 schools have received a full-colour pack demonstrating the benefits of a one hundred year old deciduous tree.

These actions co-ordinated by the Dutch National Tree Foundation in co-operation with the Dutch Green Forum have generated a huge amount of publicity for trees and what they can do for us – as well as being a fantastic way of reaching children.

Classroom activities culminated in 10 and 11 year olds writing their ‘green wishes’ for the future for the Dutch Queen. Green wishes from the kids formed part of the Queen's official jubilee gift.

Now the initiative is moving directly into action for climate change by introducing a ‘CO2 Tree Prize’ for the community that plants the most trees as part of ‘National Tree Planting Day’.

In 2008, the City of Rotterdam is taking up the mantle of innovative promotion of trees and green space. Following a series of horticultural events, the Mayor is inviting the Prime Minister to the national ‘Tree Festival Day’, to be held in the city next year. He will present the PM with a selection of the most exciting kids green wishes as well as a report commissioned by the Dutch Green Forum on the value and necessity of green/naturalistic play spaces.