“Transform lives with trees” was the message on the envelope from this charity’s patron Zoe Wannamaker and what a wonderful positive way this is to support those living in some of the poorer areas of Africa, the dry lands of the Sahel where the rainfall, frequent drought and few natural resources are the norm.

Planting and nurturing trees is what it is all about.  This charity provides the seeds and the know how.  I was amazed (how ignorant rich westerners can be) at the range of products which can be produced from trees including fruit, butter, nuts, juice and edible sepals to soap, medicines and even contraceptives.  Add to this fuel oil and wood for furniture and a broad picture of the value of these trees emerges.

This is one of the best self-help projects I have seen (on a par with Habitat for Humanity) and is a heartening contrast to the destruction of rain forests in other parts of the world.

 The leaflet is colourful without being glossy and very informative.  I would make this my charity appeal of the year in terms of its impact, on me at any rate.

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