News Release

For immediate release

21 December 2004

From little acorns, big oaks grow

For an alternative Christmas celebration this year, instead of chopping down a tree, staff from Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) will be planting oak trees grown on from baby acorns. The acorns were collected in the Millennium from local ancient oaks and are now to find a new home for the next 500 years.

Thanks to a nationwide scheme set up to boost recycling of aluminium drinks cans a further 30 native trees including Oak, Birch, ash will also be planted by PECT as part of this Christmas celebration. A further 50 trees were also donated to a variety of community groups involved in this years Peterborough In bloom from Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro).

Phillipa Croucher said "PECT are delighted to find homes for the trees and look forward to seeing them mature over future years. It will be nice to get out and do something positive for Peterborough this Christmas, that will have a lasting benefit for visitors in the future".

Waste and Recycling Officer Jacqui Warren said" We were very glad to be receiving these trees. Recycling aluminium is good for the environment – it saves 95% of the energy used to make it from Bauxite, and can be recycled again and again without loss of quality" She added

"We are delighted to be working with community groups and hope that as the trees grow to maturity they will give a real sense of how energy saved by getting into the habit of recycling builds into real environmental improvement"

Tree planting will take place on Wednesday 22^nd December at 10 a.m. at Creighton Millennium Wood, near the Boat House Pub, Thorpe Meadows. PECT staff will be wielding their spades and donning their santa’s hats in their alternative Christmas party.

END

Notes to Editor

Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is a charity that was set up following Peterborough’s designation as a UK Environment City. PECT carries out research and implements practical projects to protect and improve the environment. PECT works with over 200 partners representing business, local authorities voluntary and environment groups.

2 Staff from PECT will be meeting at the bridge next to the Boat House Pub, Thorpe Meadows at 10 a.m. on Wedneday 22^nd December. Photographs on the day are welcome.

3 The trees have been donated by not-for-profit industry organisation Alupro to recognise the growth and impact of successful recycling in Peterborough. Growing trees gives some sense of how the energy saved through recycling aluminium accumulates over the years.

For further information please contact:
Philippa Croucher

Peterborough Environment City Trust, High Street, Fletton, Peterborough PE2 8DT

Tel: 01733 760881 email: philippa.croucher@peterborough.gov.uk