The issue

 “Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity.” (United Nations). At 9Trees our vision is to tackle climate change by restoring woodland habitats. In doing this we also promote biodiversity, create jobs and connect people to nature.

We make tackling climate change accessible and achievable. Our philosophy is simple: plant 9 trees per person, per year, to help balance one individual’s personal carbon footprint. The joint biodiversity and climate crises we face need urgent action, and 9Trees offers a tangible action that individuals can take to feel empowered.

Landowners have provided over 15 hectares of land so far, with 1000’s on a waiting list. Landowner Geoff Heald, who has provided land for planting says: “Participating with the 9Trees project – I think you can only regard it as a privilege. It’s essential ... It’s for our children and it’s for subsequent future generations.”

Our work

We create carbon sinks by planting and professionally managing native broadleaf woodlands in the UK. Planting is done in partnership with altruistic landowners, who hand over their land to 9Trees to manage for 50 years. Individuals support this effort by gifting just one tree, or taking out an annual subscription of 9 trees per year. Businesses support this by taking out an annual subscription of 9 trees or more, or bespoke packages to fit their needs.

In 25 years, the trees we plant now will be sequestering roughly 40lbs of carbon per annum. In 50-100 years’ time, each tree should have captured one tonne of carbon. It’s not just about carbon. The species planted by 9Trees include oak, silver birch, hawthorn, rowan, downy birch, elder, and blackthorn. By planting the right trees in the right places, 9Trees promotes biodiversity and enhances habitat corridors – without destroying valuable, species-rich grasslands or peat bogs.

Our trees are planted by local vetted contractors who are passionate about wildlife and combating the climate crisis through meaningful action in their local area.

Another key aim is to connect people to nature, providing mental health benefits. Each site has a ‘walkabout sheet’ so subscribers can visit their trees. We run eco-matting days and team building events, involving people in the creation of the woodland habitats.

Our work inspires individuals and businesses to contribute to the future of the planet. In addition to individual subscribers, we have worked with 23 businesses to create bespoke packages that suit their needs. One of our corporate partners states “As a company we know that the onus is on us. – not the individual to make a difference. We have therefore partnered with 9Trees to work towards balancing [our] and our customers’ carbon footprint.”

A recent survey by The Woodland Trust showed that one in three young people in Britain are scared, sad or pessimistic about climate change, with 28% feeling “overwhelmed”. 9Trees offers an accessible, practical, and immediate action that people can take. By taking this action, people feel empowered rather than hopeless, and motivated to make other changes in their lives to mitigate climate change. As stated by one of our subscribers: “9Trees gives me hope and motivation to keep going.”

In June 2022, 9Trees won the Future Leap Natural Environment Award for our “nuanced and thoroughly considered approach to tree planting, including critical aftercare, volunteer engagement, proven track record and Community Interest Company structure. 9Trees dedication towards supporting biodiversity while also creating purposeful jobs within the countryside sector is commendable”

To date we have planted 15,000 trees in 10 sites across the UK. We have 25 landowners on our waiting list.

In the UK, woodland cover has dropped from 60% to just 13%. The UK government pledged in 2019 to reach 30,000 hectares of new planting by the end of 2024. This is vital to reach ‘net zero’ by 2050. Unfortunately, the UK's forestry trade body forecasts that this target will not be achieved. (BBC News). Our work at the front line planting sustainable woodland in areas from half an acre upward is vital to assisting the UK to achieve net zero.

Other organisations offer carbon offsetting initiatives, but 9Trees is distinctive in its community-focused approach and long-term engagement with landowners. We are focused on biodiversity and we only use native trees. We pride ourselves on being an open and transparent company. We do things correctly by monitoring the woodlands during our 50-year stewardship, carrying out ecological surveys, and replanting to replace lost trees.

Our people

We have two Directors, Michael Cunningham and Ash Kent. Mike and Ash bring different and complementary strengths, to provide a well-rounded and cohesive leadership team. Mike has worked in the conservation and environment sector for many years. His key strengths are in his business knowledge and expertise. Mike has worked as a business mentor for the Welsh government and has a track record of creating sustainable businesses. Mike has an extensive network to draw upon and excels at creating new connections, inspiring people with the vision of 9Trees. Ash’s strengths are his ecological qualifications and experience. Ash has worked in ecology, woodland management and habitat management for over 10 years and he ensures that 9Trees plant the right trees in the right places. Ash also has significant experience leading and coordinating volunteer groups and planning work, and can therefore ensure that 9Trees projects are practical and achievable. Mike and Ash are supported by a diverse team of enthusiastic and experienced people who share the vision of 9Trees and are committed to working to achieve it.

Our funding request

9Trees aims to be entirely self-funded through individual subscriptions and business partnerships. However, we have been hit by both the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. We are running largely on pro bono input, including unpaid contributions by our Directors. This is not sustainable.

We want to engage a Business Development Manager dedicated to business management, planning, fundraising, and strategy. This will free up the Directors to expand our business networks to create the partnerships that will make the business self-funding. We want to invest in a CRM and automation of processes to give subscribers a better experience, leading to repeat business and recommendations. As a result of the increased income and the ability to offer paid positions, staff turnover will stabilise, risks will be reduced, and the business will be able to grow sustainably. 

Our long term goals include expansion of our ‘Ambassador and Rep programme’ across the UK, attendance at more festivals and events to improve our visibility, and getting more people to connect with nature. This year we are testing a small number of events on our sites, including EcoTherapy and creative writing / arts events. The funding for the Business Development manager will enable us to consolidate all we are currently doing and give us a strong foundation from which we can push forward with exciting community based projects which will also bring in funds to support the roles we wish to create.