A coalition of conservation organisations has launched COVID-aware tree planting guidance, intended to ensure volunteers won’t miss this year's winter planting season.

The guidance was produced by the Tree Council, the Arboricultural Association, London Tree Officers Association, TCV (the Conservation Volunteers), the Orchard Project, and the Woodland Trust.

The guidance seeks to support organisations to carry out events in a way which manages the risk COVID-19 presents to both organisers and volunteers.

The guidance provides advice for planning and running events, including:

  • How to adjust timings, volunteer numbers and spacing to allow volunteers to socially distance.
  • How to train and support staff to manage volunteers in this new context.
  • Use of PPE and planting equipment (gloves, tools, mallets).
  • How to support and inform volunteers before, during and after the event on the ways in which organisations plan to keep them safe.

Sara Lom, CEO, the Tree Council, said: “It has never been more important to plant and care for trees around the country, but events must be managed safely in light of coronavirus.

“This guidance will allow communities and volunteer organisations to organise tree planting events while managing the wellbeing of themselves and their volunteers, as well as the future health of our planet.”

Read the guidance here.

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