Tree planting for the climate seems to be on a roll. Lots of programs, NGOs, companies and communities are planting trees for climate.

We think this is great, but do you know what’s better? The fact that trees help absorb carbon and produce lots of local benefits for bees, people and wildlife at the same time.

There are over 70,000 types of tree in the World. They all have different properties and characteristics and they offer a myriad of benefits to people and planet.

Trees, bees and Climate Resilience in Ghana

In Ghana we’re including tree planting in our work with the communities of Kumbungu. We’re planting a range of tree types to support bees, people and the local environment.

What trees will be planted? We’ve recommended a range of tree species for different purposes. One of those are citrus trees like lemon and limes, which bees love and people use for all sorts of things, including deodorant so we’re told.

We’re also supporting the planting of acacia, a tree common across Sub-Saharan Africa. Acacia trees are drought resistant, which makes them a vital resource for wildlife and people alike and provide fodder for livestock in the dry season, goats in particular love them. We could go on about the benefits, like use in traditional medicine, culture and soil health but we’ll leave it at that for now.

We also provide training on how to plant and care for seedlings, it’s an art and a science looking after trees properly. Look after the trees and they look after us.

Bees Abroad and tree planting

It’s not just Ghana, we’ve been tree planting for many years across many projects. Since we’re on the subject we wanted to share some of the highlights with you.

40,000 seedlings planted in Sierra Leone

A number of the communities we work with in Sierra Leone are located in the fringes of the Gola Rainforest, the largest-remaining block of Upper Guinean Forest.

The Trees for Bees project aims to expand and manage the local tree nursery to include endangered native tree species, with expert advice from Njala, the local university, and UK academic institutions including Kew Gardens. Together with our partner, Rory’s Well, we are raising saplings and encourage people to plant and care for them in their communities.

We aim to plant seven native trees for every one felled, for example to build bee hives , and by August 2025 we will have planted around 40,000 trees since the tree programme started in 2019.

Nigeria Slow Food tree planting

Last year the Excel beekeepers in Nigeria started a new initiative with our support. They are are planting seedlings alongside Slow Food Nigeria. The idea is to protect against deforestation locally through education and providing alternative livelihoods.

These livelihoods include beekeeping and, working with Slow Food, the promotion of sustainable farming with indigenous crops, tree planting and nurturing, as well as advocacy against cutting down trees for charcoal. So far they have planted 2,900 seedlings.

Can you help us plant more trees for people and planet?

It’s Earth Month and it’s World Earth Day today! We’re raising funds this April in our “Collaborate for Climate” campaign to support communities like Kumbungu in Ghana build climate resilience.

All donations before 30th April will be DOUBLED by our match funders. One donation, double the impact this Earth Month.