Press Release

Mayor launches BBC Autumn Watch Tree Party

Monday 5th November 2007

Come along to the BBC Autumn Watch Tree Party and have the opportunity to plant a tree in Creggan Country Park and take one home for free to plant in your garden.

Derry City Council in partnership with Creggan Country Park and the BBC will host an Autumn Watch Tree Party at the Creggan facility on Saturday 10th November as part of the city's on going participation in the BBC Breathing Places year of action.

Speaking at the launch of the event the Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson said that the Autumn Watch Tree Party is set to be a wonderful day out for all the family.

"This event follows on from the wonderful Springwatch event which brought the biodiversity message to the heart of the city in June. We all have our part to play in enhancing and protecting our local wildlife and events such as these help us to promote this message whilst engaging young people and families in a fun and participative activity."

The Autumn Watch Tree Party event will take place from 11am - 3.00pm with a range of hands on events as Council's Biodiversity Officer, Susan Gass explained.

"Autumn is a great season for wildlife. Geese and swans are migrating, winter birds are coming to our feeders, the leaves are changing colour, and animals are preparing for winter.

"As part of the Tree Party there will a guided nature trail around the reservoir, tree planting in the park, a recycling art workshop, tree cookie decorating and a Big Auld Tree Hunt where children will be invited to follow the orienteering trail at the park.

"As well as the range of fun filled activity there will be a number of stalls at the event to help promote the message of 'Do One Thing' for wildlife in the city. This event forms part of the ongoing BBC Breathing Places initiative, which aims to raise a better understanding of the issues and actions that can be taken."

Participating stalls include the Ulster Wildlife Trust, who'll have an insect hotel, the Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland with their green machine and a chance to make your own bird feeder; Groundwork Northern Ireland, Derry City Council, and the BBC Breathing Places pledge tent and Big Tree tents with free tree give away.

As a special feature Martin Maloney and his birds of prey will also be there. The birds proved hugely popular with children and families are the Springwatch event earlier this year.

The BBC has created a tree-planting booklet with handy hints for planting your tree and caring for it as it grows.

Speaking at the launch Deirdre Donnelly from BBC said,

“This is another opportunity for people to get out and 'do one ting' for nature during this BBC Breathing Places year of wild action. We hope people across Northern Ireland will be inspired to get involved to preserve, improve and enjoy the natural beauty on our doorstep.”

The BBC Autumn Watch Tree Party kicks off at 11am and runs to 3 pm including a raft race on the reservoir from 2 - 3 pm.

Notes to Editor

In June of this year Derry~Londonderry joined 15 other cities around the UK to become a BBC Breathing Places City and launch its Year of Wild Action. At the BBC Breathing Places Festival in June over 1000 people pledged to Do One Thing for wildlife in the city.

The Year of Action continues with another opportunity for everyone to Do One Thing for Wildlife in the City. On Saturday November 10th Derry City Council in partnership with Creggan Country Park and the BBC are hosting a Tree Party at Creggan Country Park.

Come along to the Tree Party and get the chance to plant a tree in the Park and take one home for free to plant in your garden. The BBC has created a tree planting booklet with handy hints for planting your tree and caring for it as it grows.

Autumn is a great season for wildlife. Geese and swans are migrating, winter birds are coming to our feeders, the leaves are changing colour, and animals are preparing for winter. Come to the Tree Party and learn about the importance of trees for a healthy city, see some local wildlife, and take part in one of the many activities on offer.

Ends

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