November means we are well into the autumn months. An obvious sign all around us are the interestingly coloured leaves that slowly drop from trees and shrubs to blow about and carpet the ground. But why do some plants shed their leaves before winter? It turns out autumnal leaf drop is a form of self-protection. While evergreen plants in cold climates have thick waxes and resins to protect their leaves from freezing and fracturing, deciduous species generally have thin leaves that are susceptible to cold temperatures. By the end of summer, many leaves are insect-eaten, diseased, or otherwise damaged. Dropping them gives the plant a fresh start in the spring, and the nutrients from the decaying leaves are recycled to help grow the next leafy generation.
Some tree facts:
There are over 60,000 species of trees worldwide but in the UK we have just 32. A mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. They also prevent soil from eroding into our waterways, reduce storm water runoff, and lessen flood damage.
Some of you may have read that the u3a are hoping to plant 5000 trees in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the UK u3a movement.
u3a 40th Anniversary Woodland – Individual Trees
Choose to buy individual trees which will be planted to create our u3a Anniversary Woodland and help support the environment, wildlife and climate. Every tree sold makes a difference and helps the movement get nearer its target of planting 5,000 trees by the end of the planting season in Spring next year. You will receive a specially designed certificate to download as a memento of your contribution to the environment and to the u3a movement. Please select the number of trees you would like to buy then click customise to add your name to the certificate. *Please note the u3a Anniversary Woodland is located on the England/Wales border in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The trees – two-year old saplings – will be native, deciduous trees; a mix of native species will be appropriate to the chosen site. Your purchase includes planting the tree(s), plus 12 years of maintenance to ensure the tree(s) become established.
For individual members choosing to donate £7.50 for each tree, this is the link for further information and purchasing details. https://u3abrand.org.uk/catalogue/item/u3a-40th-anniversary-woodland-individual-trees
…and finally another type of tree
Hucknall Parish Church Christmas tree and Wreath ‘Competitions’
We are preparing an entry into both of these events.
Christmas Trees will be on display from Wednesday 1st December to Sunday 5th Decenber. The wreaths will be on show from Saturday 4th to Saturday 18th n December.
When in town please do call in the church and have a look.
David Rose: Chairman