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HOMES & GARDENS: Garden Cuttings

Posted on: Saturday, 25 February 2006, 06:00 CST

TREES COMPANY

With Mother's Day just around the corner, instead of handing over a bunch of flowers - what about a forest of trees?

Growaforest.com is working to reduce the production of carbon dioxide in the world. For pounds 9.99 you can buy a tree and have it dedicated to someone you love.

The gift pack will contain: a map of the forest your tree is planted in' a gift certificate confirming location of your tree and details about the area' a gift wrapped pack, hand tied with natural ribbon' a dedication of your choice.

There are also packages to salve your conscience if you are a frequent car driver or flyer. If you want to buy more than five trees, it offers a 20 per cent discount.

MUM IN A MILLION

Birmingham Botanical Gardens has launched a search for "A Mum in a Million". It has invited anyone, not just sons and daughters, to nominate any woman they feel deserves special recognition as a very extraordinary mum. It could be a relation, a friend or even a next door neighbour.

The winner will receive a special treat on Mother's Day: a beautiful flower display and a meal for four at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Everyone who submits an entry form will also receive a complimentary ticket to visit the gardens at any time.

Philip Aubury, director of the gardens, said: "We know there are so many Mothers who deserve to be called 'A Mum in a Million' that selecting an overall winner will be a very difficult job."

Competition forms are available at the Gardens and entries must be returned by March 17, 2006. For information and nomination forms, contact Linda Keen on 0121 450 5087.

LOTTERY BID

The Heart of the National Forest Foundation has submitted a major bid for support to the Big Lottery Fund's "Living Landmarks" programme.

The Foundation is bidding for one of a handful of grants - each worth between pounds 10 million and pounds 25 million.

The Foundation's bid has been put together by the National Forest Company, Leicestershire County Council, North West Leicestershire District Council and South Derbyshire District Council.

The project will accelerate the Forest's creation, over at least 1,000 acres, and will encourage active participation in its planning, development and long-term stewardship.

Highlights of the bid include: a timber-built Creative Forest Experience, a woodland and forest craft attraction' a 20 metre high by 350 metre long aerial walkway' new attractions at Conkers, including a water sports centre' the creation of a new 100-mile National Forest Trail.

"Living Landmarks' gives the Foundation a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make our vision really come alive," said Stephen Woolfe, Chairman of the Heart of the National Forest Foundation.

"We have submitted a hugely exciting bid for support to the Big Lottery Fund which encompasses wow factors, inspirational design and many opportunities for people to get involved in the project's creation."

The Heart of the National Forest Foundation is now working on the details of the bid and will liaise with communities across the Midlands.

Source: Birmingham Post; Birmingham (UK)

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