Introducing Tree Talk with... Chris Beyga
After becoming involved with the Mab Lane Community Woodland project with the Mersey Forest Chris joined the Community Forest Trust as a Trustee.
I passionately believe that Community Forests really do have the ability to re-connect people with their place.
How did you become involved in the world of community forestry?
I became involved via Mersey Forest as part of the development of Mab Lane Community Woodland (The Mabby) my husband Tony was a volunteer on the project, he photographed and chronicled the development of the area from an unloved, unused derelict land to a wonderful green space now much loved by the local community. I passionately believe that Community Forests really do have the ability to reconnect people with their place.
My hopes are that community forestry will develop all over the UK and it means that there are more green spaces with a community focus, managed and led by the communities they are very much part of.
Please tell us a little more about your interest in community forestry that led you to becoming a Trustee for CFT?
Through the work with Mersey Forest, I was asked to join the board of CFT, at that point it was a well established board but was beginning to become even more of an enabler and advisor in relation to national policy, in the intervening period the board membership has grown and developed so it is a very exciting time to be involved.
What are your future hopes for trees and forestry?
My hopes are that community forestry will develop all over the UK and it means that there are more green spaces with a community focus, managed and led by the communities they are very much part of.
I am passionate about engaging with young children and helping them to connect, appreciate and understand nature, it’s so rewarding and they are our Citizen Scientists of the future!
What are you most excited by currently in the world of community forestry?
I am very much looking forward to the development of the Northern Forest, it seems a long time ago since the original concept and we watched Paul Nolan’s Red Squirrel climbing a tree in Formby and heading to Hull!
If we have learned anything in the last 18 months it’s how vital our green spaces and community forests have been in providing a lifeline for people’s mental health during lockdowns.
What do you think will make the biggest difference in the next 5 years?
I think the role of CFT will become increasingly more important as we strive to unlock funding and resources to support community forestry across England.
The Green Recovery Challenge Fund will enable the various forests to do more and plant even more trees!
Also vital is the implementation of the government’s Environment Bill and what that actually looks like in reality.
But the absolute key and most important factor for me is the participation of people, through initiatives like The Great Big Green Week (18 – 26 September 2021), this will be the largest event for climate and nature ever seen in the UK.
Thousands of events will celebrate how communities are taking action to tackle climate change and protect green spaces and encourage others to get involved too. It’s this level of involvement by individuals and community that will have real impact in the next 5 years
Do you have any recommendations for anyone who would like to get more involved in community forestry in their local area?
Give it a go! If we have learned anything in the last 18 months it’s how vital our green spaces and community forests have been in providing a lifeline for people’s mental health during lockdowns.
Get involved with your local community forest! Every little thing you do matters, whether that’s a litter pick, tree planting or just being the eyes and ears on the ground.
Genuinely every small action helps and you will feel great also!
Where do you enjoy going for a walk and do you have any recommendations for fab places that people can experience woodlands?
I am extremely fortunate to have a great many woodland walks on my doorstep, so it would be hard to choose a favourite, but locally I love all the small woodlands created by the Mersey Forest such as Littlewood, Howard’s Pit and The Sanctuary.
Further afield we absolutely love Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest in Anglesey, so good for the soul!
Do you have a favourite tree?
This is sooooooo hard and I find it hard to choose between the Mighty Oak and the humble Cherry Tree!
But if pushed I would have to choose the Cherry Tree because it’s often the first sign that spring is here and the long dark days of winter are behind us!
Find out how you can get involved with The Great Big Green Week - 18 – 26 September 2021
You can find out more about the Mersey Forest on their website