More and more people are considering commemorating a special person or significant event in their lives by planting trees in the countryside.

Not only does this unselfish gesture help to create new habitats for wildlife - trees provide the habitat for more than half our wild creatures and plants - it links your family with the nation's green heritage.

The easiest way to recognise that special person or event in this way is the national Family Tree Scheme, which has been administered by the International Tree Foundation, based at Crawley Down in West Sussex since 1994. In that time, ITF have planted an impressive 31,000 trees throughout Britain.

Administrator Madeleine Escobido, said: "We are finding that an increasing number of people are considering this to be an appropriate way to remember someone special, or an event such as a birth or death in the family."

"Some of the dedications which accompany requests for trees are truly touching. It's a way of allowing people to make a sustainable and lasting statement, which can be enjoyed by others and benefit wildlife, about that special person or event."

Examples of these are the tree planted in the Black Country Urban Forest by a Baker family, which commemorates the life of Pepsi their dog; and the one planted at Escots Park in memory of Nina, a winner in the 2002 ITF Children's Art Competition.

Some are more intriguing, such as the tree planted in the Forest of Avon by Maggie Brown for David Alex Brown "to celebrate seven years of tree hugging together." And one planted at Borde Hill by the widow of painter George Offord (1912-1986,) remembers his paintings of trees which "hang worldwide, loved but unsung, as indeed was he."

There are 31 sites spread throughout England, Scotland and Wales - from Central Scotland to Canterbury in Kent - where families can plant a tree or trees under the scheme. They range from Community Forests throughout the country to the National Forest in the East Midlands.

Donors receive a distinctive card, illustrated in full colour and embossed with a gold seal, which can be displayed free-standing or framed. Donors can also have a special dedication added to the card commemorating the person or occasion they wish to remember. This dedication is also entered into the appropriate Record Book.

With over 20 million trees being lost in Britain in recent years through disease, drought, storm damage or development, the Family Tree Scheme is a unique way to replace some of that valuable tree cover. "It is a way to redress the balance by the endowment of a living legacy in the name of your family or friends," Madeleine summed up.

For details of the Family Tree Scheme, contact Madeleine Escobido:

The International Tree Foundation, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, West Sussex RH10 4HS;
Tel. 0870 7744269;
email: info@internationaltreefoundation.org,
or visit the website at www.internationaltreefoundation.org.