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If I buy a TreeTwist, or send one to a friend, what will they get? How will they know what I have done?

All TreeTwists are sent out with an A4 page of information which explains that you have paid for either a tree or a seedling to be planted.  Typically, we will give information on the species to be planted.  You will also receive a postcard with photographs on one side, the reverse of the postcard has been left largely blank for you to write your own message if you are passing the TreeTwist on as a gift.  It also has the following simple sentences: "If you have a TreeTwist, a tree has been planted on your behalf in the Caledonian Forest in Scotland.  Every TreeTwist represents a tree, and every one has been handmade in the UK".

Why do you only plant trees in the UK? Isn't it cheaper and therefore better use of our money, to plant overseas?

It is cheaper to plant trees overseas, but TreeTwist believes that any trees we facilitate the planting of need to be managed, and in many projects overseas there have been issues over the long term prospects of trees donated and planted.

'In one project in India, money was paid for mango trees but many were never planted and a considerable number didn't survive: local people were given the saplings but no funding for watering and a prolonged drought meant many trees died. Our colleagues in India say this happens to numerous tree plantations. Many companies acknowledge the problems but keep these projects in their portfolios as the public likes the idea of planting trees. Other issues are raised by the upkeep of the saplings, particularly for schemes in the developing world. Organisers may also need to fund irrigation and fertiliser if local people cannot afford to look after the trees. Extensive plantations may lead to monoculture rather than wildlife-friendly biodiversity'
– Country Living Magazine

Is there a lead time? If I buy one, how long will it take to get there?

We hold TreeTwists in stock. Buy one and under normal circumstances it will be despatched within 36 hours.  We normally tell our customers to expect them within 3-4 days.

Who makes the Twists?

Orkney islanders!! And sometime Shetlanders. We  proud to be supporting rural economies in the UK.  Our TreeTwists are 100% British.

Is it true that trees produce Carbon Dioxide as well as absorb it?

All plants produce CO2 during respiration, however this is largely utilised during photosynthesis. Fortunately trees absorb more CO2 than they emit, hence their suitability for the purpose of climate balancing.

A moment of science:

A cubic meter of wood contains about 250 kg of carbon while a cubic meter of air contains about 0.117 g carbon. This means that a cubic meter of wood contains the same amount of carbon as 1.4 million cubic meters of air.

The calculation is a follows: Air is 360 ppm CO2 by volume, not mass, therefore, the mass concentration depends on the molecular weight of the compound. For CO2 (MW = 44), 1 ppm (v/v) = 0.001800 g/m3 @ 25C &amp; 1 atm. Thus, 360 ppm (v/v) = 360 X 0.0018 = 0.648 g/m3. The amount of carbon (MW = 12) in this much CO2 = 12/44 X 0.648= 0.177 g/m3. 250,000(g carbon/m3 wood)/0.177 = 1,412,429 times as much carbon in a cubic meter of wood as in a cubic meter of air.
By Dr. Patrick Moore, Chairman &amp; Chief Scientist, Greenspirit Strategies Ltd.

What happens when the trees die? Do they release all the greenhouse gases they have absorbed during their lifetime?

Reforestation projects that are invested in are well-managed for a minimum of 99 years. Although individual trees may die, they will not release all the greenhouses gases they absorb during their lifetime as these will have been used during photosynthesis.

Where do TreeTwist plant trees?

The money you give us goes to Tree For Life, a multi award winning charity based in Scotland.  They plant the trees as part of their planting programme on our behalf.  So, the money you gave to plant a tree will go direct to Trees for Life who plant the tree.

Why do Trees For Life place so much importance on nursery trees? Aren't they just a waste of money?

It is critical to keep the forest as close to its wild and natural state as possible. Trees For Life propagate all the native trees in Caledonian Forest in their own nursery at Plodda Lodge, concentrating particularly on the scarcer species, such as hazel, holly, juniper etc, which are difficult to obtain from other sources.

What species of tree do Trees for Life plant?

Trees for Life plant for the Caledonian Forest, so they propagate and plant whatever is most appropriate for any given area. Different soil types and different conditions influence their approach, but it is true to say that the four most commonly planted trees are Scots Pine, Rowan, Aspen and Birch.

What is World Environment Day all about?

World Environment day, or WED, takes place every year on 5 June. It is one of the main vehicles used by the UNited Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and action. Click here to find out more.

Where is the Caledonian Forest?

The Caledonian Forest is in the North West Highlands of Scotland

Would a TreeTwist be a suitable gift?

Absolutely!  A TreeTwist is the ultimate Green Gift. The most chic of the eco chic presents.  


Can I send a TreeTwist to a friend, with a personal message?

When you check out of the website you will be able to click on a box labelled "gift wrap".  If you click this you will be able to leave a personal message, which will be included with your gift.  So, all the labeling, wrapping and sending of your presents will be done by us.  Make Christmas easy.  Surprise your Valentine.  Or, simply send a little thank you or birthday gift to a special friend.