TREES, TRAVEL, HOME: meaning and learning

<<Sunmaya Magar has a special interest in community tree planting. She studied for a Bachelor Forestry qualification in Nepal, followed by a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, going on to work with Nepal's National Trust for Nature Conservation before a move to support community tree-planting as a project officer. After moving to Newcastle, she has drawn on her expertise for volunteering, and is also supporting several climate campaigns.>>

INVOLVEMENT IN "TO OWN BOTH NOTHING AND THE WHOLE WORLD"

Sunmaya volunteers in several local projects linked to nature. A highlight was this 2025 installation at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, linked to Refugee Week and the planting of a Sanctuary Tree in Newcastle Civic Centre gardens. Themes linked to nature were explored (trees, nesting, travel, displacement). The amazing survival of the Taihaku cherry trees is at the heart of the work; their extraordinary migration story meant that a sole migrant tree in the UK became a saviour of the whole ecosystem, reviving the extinct community in its native Japan.

Sunmaya's contributions to the Baltic exhibition included creating two nests, reflecting her own journey from Nepal. For this example, she wove together, with the Taihaku, symbols of life and death: grass, twigs, rhododendrons, marigold, rose, feathers, shells and stones.

Her display includes the words: "In the end, we only keep what we gave away - love and memories."

Sunmaya is pictured with climate campaign volunteer Olwyn Hocking at the celebration in Baltic Square to mark the exhibition and 2025's longest day. The featured 200-year-old oak tree roots

were identified during a beach stroll by people from around the word who currently live in the North East. Their walk in Northumberland is captured in this dramatic image in the Baltic foyer.

REFLECTIONS ON IMPORTANCE OF TREE PLANTATION TECHNIQUES - Sunmaya suggested this blog, after seeing how some UK tree planting schemes have not achieved all the hoped-for climate benefits.

Afforestation and reforestation plays a central  role to combat many current issues arising from climate change: loss of biodiversity, prevention of soil erosion, and avoiding natural disasters such as floods, landslides and wildfires.

Nowadays, many Governments, Non-Government Organisations, and private and voluntary groups are making huge efforts to carry out tree planting, to help to conserve our ecosystem, protect its biodiversity and help communities to adopt eco-friendly practices for a balanced and healthy environment in a sustainable manner.

It is estimated that between 1.5 billion and 3 billion trees are now planted worldwide each year. In the UK,  30-60 million trees are planted each year; they are mostly Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis). Scots Pine is a native tree species that grows naturally in the UK. It is used for timber, paper, landscaping and – historically – resin products. Sitka Spruce is not native to the UK; its origin is in North America. It is a fast-growing species and is good for making paper, furniture and building materials. It’s mostly grown in places like Scotland and Wales, where

the climate suits it. Although these two trees are planted the most, people are now initiating the planting of not only coniferous but also broad-leaved trees, to improve biodiversity, enhance carbon storage, create resilient woodlands and make forests healthier.

From a range of sources, it can be seen that the plantation rate is increasing every year in the UK, which is very beneficial for us. An increase of 52% in tree plantation has been observed this year. The survival rates for tree plantation are 70% - 90%, so failure rates are 10%-30%.

There are several reasons for plantations failing, such as not selecting suitable species, unsuitable planting areas, improper planting techniques, lack of care after planting trees, pest and diseases, and damage done by people or animals. Addressing these reasons can help – it’s not a total solution, but can reduce the number of plantations that fail.

It’s very important to take care of planting trees the right way, choosing the right type of tree, and making sure they are in the right place to avoid plantation failure. A failed plantation results in wasted time, effort and resources, including the waste of saplings and volunteers or paid labour. It negatively impacts the environment by reducing carbon absorption, increasing soil erosion and reducing biodiversity. Economically, it leads to higher costs and fewer job opportunities. Additionally, it harms the climate and health by contributing to higher temperatures and poorer air quality.

For example, if a tree species that usually grows in a dry, gravelly soil is planted in wet, clayey soil, then the saplings are not going to survive: they will just die. That’s why choosing the right spot and the right type of the tree is so important for a successful plantation. When trees are planted in the right place with the right conditions, they are much more likely to thrive and stay healthy.

Likewise, everyone who is involved in tree planting, whether they are professionals, workers or volunteers, should clearly understand the planting process, or be given proper guidance and training before they begin. This helps ensure that the trees are planted correctly and have a better chance of surviving and growing well. This also helps to save time, effort and money by reducing the need to replant the trees saplings.

In conclusion, although planting trees brings a sense of happiness and achievement, it’s important to ask ourselves if we are really planting them properly. Proper care and the right planting techniques are key for the success of any plantation. Let’s not just plant trees for social media posts or good stories or news coverage, let’s do it to achieve real benefits for our planet and future generations, by ensuring trees are planted correctly and cared for. In this way, we can truly make a positive impact on the environment and the world around us.

***USEFUL INFORMATION - North East Community Forest

The North East Community Forest, a major tree planting initiative in the Northeast UK, has a record of planting almost 300,000 trees in the last year, across various locations like Northumberland, Newcastle and Gateshead. Since the start of the project in November 2021, they've planted 360,469 trees across 430 sites, with plans to continue expanding. This initiative aims to increase tree cover, create new jobs, and support the forestry sector. 

Key Highlights :

• Total Trees Planted: 360,469 since November 2021. 

• Sites Planted: 430. 

• Recent Planting: Almost 300,000 trees planted in the last year. 

• Area Planted: 164 gross hectares (approximately 405 acres). 

• Project Locations: Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, and urban areas of County Durham. 

• Goals: Increase tree cover, create new jobs, support the forestry sector, and address climate change. 

• Partnerships: The project works in collaboration with various partners to achieve its goals. 

***To Own Both Nothing and the Whole World background: this new public artwork was conceived by artist Henna Asikainen in collaboration with Roua Horanieh. It was part of the Moomin 80th Anniversary celebrations. was co-commissioned and co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and made possible by the support of Moomin Characters Ltd. It was part of celebrations marking 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story by Tove Jansson, which had a focus on displacement. The title of the exhibition is a quote from Snufkin, one of the characters in the Moomin stories.

MORE PICTURES FROM SUNMAYA'S TREE PLANTING VOLUNTEERING