Together with Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff, members of the German-British Society Bocholt plant a downy birch, the \ — Together with Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff, members of the German-British Society Bocholt plant a downy birch, the "Tree of the Year 2023". Memet Cinar (6th from left), the deputy chairman of the Bocholt Integration Council, joined the small ceremony as an accidental guest.

*© Stadt Bocholt*

Signs inform park visitors about the different tree species along the \ — *Signs inform park visitors about the different tree species along the "Way of the Annual Trees" in the Feldmark. The newest specimen is the downy birch, planted by the German-British Society Bocholt.*

*© Stadt Bocholt*

25. April 2023Press office

A bog birch for the 40th anniversary

German-British Society Bocholt takes over sponsorship for the "Tree of the Year 2023

Members of the German-British Society now met for a very special occasion. On 25 April, the annual "Tree Day", they planted a downy birch together with Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff. The proud tree, already about 3.5 metres high, now stands in the park in the district of Feldmark, on the "path of the annual trees". An information board provides information about the tree species and its sponsorship.

"It is a nice tradition that we in Bocholt celebrate the Germany-wide "Day of the Tree" with a planting of the annual tree", Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff is pleased to say. "I would like to thank DBG very much for being available as a sponsor for such an action this year. This also shows how reliable and - figuratively speaking - 'earthy' the German-British Society is here in Bocholt."

"The German-British Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year," reports DBG Chairman Andreas Becker. "In keeping with Arbor Day, we want to set an example by planting a tree, the downy birch. In doing so, we also want to set a "small footprint" in terms of climate technology." The tree species also suits the British twin city near Manchester, which is surrounded by high moors. Incidentally, the next trip to Rossendale is planned for the DBG in the autumn. Information about the German-British Society Bocholt is available at www.dbg-bocholt.de.

About the downy birch

The downy birch is the 35th annual tree in the Feldmark Park. This tree species is mainly found in wet places, especially in bogs. It needs a lot of sunlight. Downy birches grow to around 20 metres tall and can live for 80-100 years.

Become a tree sponsor

Sponsorship of a tree on the Bocholt "Annual Trail" costs 500 euros. A leaflet with information about the tree and the name of the sponsor will be attached to each tree. Companies, associations and private individuals can participate. The trees will be cared for as part of the city's green maintenance, which means they are free of charge. Interested parties can contact the city of Bocholt at Tel. 02871 953-3257 or e-mail peter.schlabs(at)bocholt(dot)de.

More information on the Bocholt "Way of the Year Trees" and on tree sponsorships can be found on the municipal website at www.bocholt.de/tagdesbaumes.