CARBON AWARE PRODUCTIONS
CARBON AWARE PRODUCTIONS
Autumn News 2025
Planting a record 20,000 CAP trees.
As the growing season draws to a close, most trees enter dormancy — a period of rest when energy needs are low and they can be safely transplanted. Autumn, therefore, marks the beginning of the planting season. This year, we’re thrilled to be planting over 20,000 trees across five beautiful UK locations, made possible by the generous support of our funders. Volunteers are warmly invited to join planting days - reach out to get involved or visit our Plant Page to help us grow even more trees this winter.
During National Tree Week, 22-30 Nov, 3000 CAP trees will be planted at Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset.
PLANTING AT HAM HILL
The ancient Iron Age fort of Ham Hill in Somerset has five woodlands which are home to the rare hazel dormouse. This November, volunteers led by the Somerset Council, will help plant 3,000 trees to bridge two of the woodlands - Pit & Horse - in order to extend their range. Principle funders for the project include Stink Films, ProdCo, Scout Productions & Biscuit Filmworks.
ON THE TRAIL OF DORMICE
This September, CAP joined Somerset Council’s Paul McNeill to carry out a dormouse survey in Ham Hill’s woodlands. More than 50 nest boxes were checked, but sadly no dormice were found on this occasion. The absence is likely linked to the recent hot, dry summer, which can place significant stress on these shy, sleepy creatures. No sightings doesn’t mean no dormice, but it does mean their numbers are currently low.
BOUNCE BACK
This year’s hot summer has sparked a mast year, with trees producing bumper crops of fruits and nuts. Such years, which occur every few seasons, bring a welcome boost to wildlife by providing plentiful food. For dormice, the abundance offers the energy they need to fatten up for winter and recover after a tough year. Our tree planting will extend range and increase forage for these elusive little mice, with the hope of building their numbers.
Sept 12, on the trail of dormice at Ham Hill Country Park
Dormouse Box at Ham Hill
Wood Mouse Nest
Young Wood Mouse in nest box
4,100 Trees to EADHA in Scotland
4,100 CAP trees will be planted this season by our partners at Eadha at two projects in Renfrewshire in Scotland. The first will rewild the borders of 4.5 hectares of conifer plantation for the benefit of wildlife and walkers; the second will reforest an area of former rough pasture. Tree species include Scots Pine, Sessile Oak, Downy Birch, Alder, Hazel, Rowan, Eared Willow, Juniper & Aspen.
Specialists at cloning Aspen
Eadha are dedicated to the propagation and planting of aspen trees across Scotland. From their nursery in Renfrewshire, they manage the national collection of aspen clones, producing thousands to support woodland creation and restoration projects. Aspen is uncommon because it flowers irregularly and is irresistible to sheep and deer. As a social enterprise, Eadha brings together community volunteers, corporate teams and people of all ages to take part in hands-on planting days. Site visits are always welcome.
© Joseph Greenlees
Gathering Seeds for planting in the Caledonian Forest
This Winter, 6,500 CAP trees will start life in Scotland, gathered and cultivated by our partners at Trees for Life, ready for planting in the Highlands in due course.
In Sept & Oct, this year's seeds were gathered from the Highlands & Western Isles by volunteers led by Roz Birch. Gathering seeds locally means the species’ area-specific genetics will persist. This makes the plants resilient to disease and will give them the best chance of withstanding the effects of climate change.
These particular seeds have been taken to Dundreggan Nursery, South of Inverness, where they will be kept in conditions to stimulate germination over the course of one to two winters. They will then be grown into healthy young plants, ready for planting in the once great Caledonian Forest.
Photos © Laure Corbe
Alongside planting at a number of school sites across Liverpool this winter, we will also be planting our 1,180 trees at the Higher Wych project, an exciting opportunity to expand and diversify local woodland.
Here, our partners working at the Mersey Forest, will be using a range of planting methods, from traditional and natural regeneration to black poplar, Miyawakimicro-woodland and hedge creation. The new planting will extend Scholars Wood, forming a richer mosaic of habitats that boosts biodiversity, strengthens connectivity and builds resilience for the future.
Work will also include creating ponds, scrapes and bunds to aid natural flood management, improve the public right of way, and safeguard the site’s historic features within open spaces.
Planting 1,180 trees in the Mersey Forest.
This project has been funded by Left Bank Pictures.
Planting 5,000 trees at the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire
Once an Industrial Landscape
Transformed by
Woodland Creation
Now enjoyed by 250,000 people each year
Breathing new life into old woodland
In 2022 & 23, thanks to our funders, CAP planted 6,500 trees at The Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire. We are now planting a further 5,000 in January 2026 as part of a project to revitalise the Holcot and Reynolds Woods.
The project is largely funded by Mother & Uber.
