Citizens in Ryedale can share their experiences and thoughts about the importance of trees in a competition to coincide with National Tree Week (26 November to 4 December).

Monday, 28 November 2022 11:24

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

Ryedale District Council launches Tree, Myself and Why competition

The Tree, Myself and Why competition organised by Ryedale District Council will allow people to reminisce about a specific Ryedale-based tree which has had an impact on their lives.

The most notable entry will win a prize, including a family day pass at The Yorkshire Arboretum (valid from February to July 2023). Entry submissions will be judged by Councillor Mike Potter, Member Champion for Climate Change at Ryedale District Council.

Entrants can send in a photo of a specific tree and tell us why they have picked it and what it means to them. Reasons could range from a tree being a reminder of a certain time or person in their lives which were special or if a certain tree is nice or unique looking.

Phillip Spurr, Director of Place and Resources for Ryedale District Council, said: “We welcome as many of your stories as possible because they will undoubtedly celebrate the importance of trees, especially as they clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink and provide a habitat to so many of the world’s plants and animals.

“Also, with the cost of living, climate change and other factors having an effect, this competition can allow people to reflect on their lives by remembering a specific tree which has had meaning for them.

“Ryedale is home to many wonderful and varied types of trees that play a big role for our environment so we hope a good few are picked out for their memories.”

Competition entries, which should include full name and contact details, can be sent to ecodev@ryedale.gov.uk or alternatively letters and pictures of the trees can be addressed to the Economic Development post box at Ryedale House in Malton.

The deadline for stories is Wednesday 7 December, and the winning entry will be notified soon after.