The chance to plant a tree in The National Forest is an inspiring gift, and at a time when people are tearing their hair out over the Christmas shopping, all inspiration is welcome!

The National Forest is a new wooded landscape for the nation across 200 square miles at the very heart of England. Plantatree is a life affirming gift and a positive contribution to one of the boldest environmental initiatives in the country.

It is a meaningful and hugely enjoyable thing to do. The best bit is, unlike other schemes, you actually get the chance to get your hands dirty and plant a tree yourself. Appealing to all ages, it�s inspiring to be part of a forest in the making.

This thoughtful, living gift is one to add to the list this Christmas.

In return for supporting the plantatree scheme you, or the person you are buying for, receives � An invitation to a special tree planting event � A choice of tree to plant, normally oak, ash or birch � The advice and expertise of foresters from The National Forest � A personalised certificate, commemorating your planting � The National Forest Company can also plant on your behalf if you choose, or prefer not to attend

Each tree is �25 which reflects the true cost of creating and developing the new woodland, including its future care and maintenance.

Buy online at www.nationalforest.org/giftshop or for further information email enquiries@nationalforest.org or tel: 01283 551211.

The National Forest is a symbol of hope for the nation. It reflects the growing awareness of our need to protect and cherish our environment, our desire to pass it on undamaged and even enhanced for future generations.

Each year hundreds of people, from all across the country, help The National Forest by planting a tree, or group of trees. They know their tree will be a part of a forest that is absorbing carbon and reducing the impact of carbon change. They know their forest is a place of beauty for people of all ages to enjoy.

Plantatree is also a wonderful gift to celebrate a wedding, the birth of a child, an anniversary or other occasion. Planting a tree in memory of a loved one is also an inspirational way of celebrating their life.

For more information on The National Forest, woodland creation schemes, visitor attractions, walks, events and how to get involved, including purchasing plantatree online, please visit: www.nationalforest.org

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial six per cent to about a third. No multi-purpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. To date the proportion of woodland cover in the Forest has already nearly trebled to almost 18 per cent and over 7 million trees have been planted.

2. Year by year, The National Forest has been steadily turning what was once one of the least wooded areas of England into a multi-purpose, sustainable forest. The National Forest provides environmental, social and economic benefits, including landscape enhancement, creation of new wildlife habitats and major new access and leisure opportunities. It is an excellent example of sustainable development � with environmental improvement providing a stimulus both to economic regeneration and to community pride and activity.

3. To achieve these objectives, the National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, working in partnership with landowners, local authorities, private business, voluntary organisations and local communities and has strong support from Government, politicians and the public. The Company, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2005, receives grant in aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Media contact: Carol Rowntree Jones, Media Relations Officer at National Forest Company 01283 551211. For background information please visit www.nationalforest.org Digital images available, contact media@nationalforest.org