As TreeSisters marks 10 years since our first planting project, we reflect on a decade of growth, learning, and transformation. What began as a mission to regreen the Earth as quickly as possible has evolved into a deeper, more meaningful approach that honours both the forests and the communities that depend on them. This milestone is not just a celebration of the millions of trees planted, but also of the values, principles, and continuous learning that guide our work.
From Scale to Connection
In our early years, TreeSisters, like many other reforestation organisations, embraced a model that resonated with simplicity and immediacy. We offered our supporters a straightforward proposition: donate a certain amount, and we’ll plant trees on your behalf. For every penny or pound donated, there was a clear and tangible outcome—a new tree in the ground. This model was effective in galvanising support, allowing donors to track the number of trees they had personally funded and encouraging them to ‘Grow your own forest.’
While this approach successfully rallied a community of passionate tree-planters, it soon became clear that something essential was missing. The focus on scale and numbers, while impressive, felt disconnected from the broader mission we had set out to achieve. We were planting trees, yes, but were we truly nurturing the forests? Were we honouring the land and the people who live in and care for these ecosystems? The answer, we realised, was no.
A Journey of Transformation
This realisation marked the beginning of a profound shift in how TreeSisters approached its work. We recognised that to truly serve the Earth, our efforts needed to be grounded in respect for Nature, guided by the needs of the local and Indigenous communities involved in our projects, and aligned with ethical principles that extend beyond simply planting trees.
We recognised that to truly serve the Earth, our efforts needed to be grounded in respect for Nature, guided by the needs of the local and Indigenous communities involved in our projects, and aligned with ethical principles that extend beyond simply planting trees.
Our pivot was not an easy one. Moving away from the popular and easily marketable model of “£1 = 1 tree” meant stepping into a space that is harder to quantify and, at times, harder to ‘sell’. But it was a necessary step to ensure that our actions truly supported the ecosystems we were trying to restore and the communities we were working alongside.
We began by deepening our relationships with our restoration partners, many of whom are Indigenous or deeply connected to the local community. We listened to their needs, their wisdom, and their understanding of the land. We moved towards a biocultural approach, where every tree planted is seen not just as a carbon offset or a number in a database, but as a living, breathing part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem.
Embracing Complexity and Ethical Integrity
This holistic approach embraces the complexity of reforestation, recognising that true restoration goes beyond the act of planting. It involves caring for the land, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that the voices of those who have lived in harmony with these forests for generations are heard and respected.
recognising that true restoration goes beyond the act of planting. It involves caring for the land, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that the voices of those who have lived in harmony with these forests for generations are heard and respected.
Our projects now focus on more than just tree count. They aim to restore entire ecosystems, protect water sources, and preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. This approach is harder to package into a neat marketing message, but it is infinitely more aligned with our mission to restore balance to the Earth.
A New Kind of Impact
As we look back on the past 10 years, we are deeply proud of the millions of trees planted.
But we are even prouder of the shift we have made towards a more ethical, respectful, and holistic approach to reforestation. We are growing forests, yes, but more importantly, we are nurturing relationships—with the land, with communities, and with the natural world.
Our journey is far from over. As we move forward, we will continue to listen, learn, and adapt, always striving to align our work with the highest ethical standards. We are grateful to our supporters, who have walked this path with us, understanding that true change is not always quick or easy, but it is always worth the effort.
We are grateful to our supporters, who have walked this path with us, understanding that true change is not always quick or easy, but it is always worth the effort.
Celebrating a Decade of Growth
As we celebrate this decade of growth, we invite you to join us in honouring not just the trees we have planted, but the deeper connections we have fostered along the way. You might show your support by choosing to donate every month, tell a friend about us, or take on a fundraising challenge. Together, we are creating a future where forests, communities, and the natural world are cherished, respected, and restored.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to the next 10 years of planting, nurturing, and growing—together.
