The Life Project - Growing a Healthier Future

The Life Project is an initiative by the Council aimed at improving air quality across the Derry and Strabane region. Through this project, a tree sapling will be provided for every life event registered in the area—including births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships.

By planting these trees, we can help reduce air pollution and its impact on health and well-being. Recipients are encouraged to plant their sapling at home. However, for those without a suitable space, we host an annual Tree Planting Event where trees can be planted as part of a shared community effort.  Our next event is on the 22nd Feburary 2025. 

Why Air Quality Matters

Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to health. It contributes to serious conditions and is responsible for one in nine deaths worldwide. Outdoor air pollution alone accounts for around 3 million deaths annually.

While air pollution affects everyone, some areas experience higher exposure levels than others. By planting trees and improving air quality, we can create a healthier environment for all generations to come.

Get involved, plant a tree, and be part of the change! 🌿🌍

Why plant trees:

 🌳 Decrease Air Pollution in the area

 🌳 Decrease respiratory illnesses / conditions

 🌳 Decrease heart conditions

 🌳 Increase awareness of health related conditions

 🌳 Increase physical activity

 🌳 Improve Health and Well-being of population in the Derry and Strabane areas

 🌳 Improve mental health

 🌳 Improve landscape

 🌳 Increase property value

 ​🌳 Increase tourism

How:

Planting Trees:

 🌱 Decreases Carbon Dioxide

 🌱 Increases Oxygen

 🌱 Eliminates Toxins

 🌱 Provides nourishment for the food chain and the earth

 🌱 Is a safe and effective solution to some of the biggest environmental problems

 Where:

Your Trees

 🌱 The Tree Saplings are all Cell grown plants which have been grown in small containers (cells) containing Compost allowing them to be planted almost all year round.

 🌱 Year round Planting

 🌱 Root systems are contained and protected by compost to prevent damage when planting. The root system is easily planted due to the shape of the cell enabling inexperienced planters to plant successfully.

 🌱 Cells can be easily stored outside prior to planting, and do not require labour intensive heeling in or expensive cold-storage.

 Planting your Cell Grown Plant

 💧 Ensure all plants are fully wet before planting

 🌱 Do not leave unprotected plants exposed to wind and sun while awaiting planting

 🌱 Prepare suitably loosened hole of adequate size to accommodate the root plug

 🌱 Avoid compaction and smearing in heavy soils

 ​🥾 Insert plant and firm down around it with your heel, ensure plant remains upright

 🌱 After firming, make sure root plug is covered by at least 3cms of soil otherwise it will dry out and become loose.

Health Benefits

The Life Project isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about improving health and well-being while creating a lasting memory for families marking key life events. By significantly increasing the number of trees planted across the City and District, the project contributes to a healthier environment for everyone.

Supporting Well-being Through Every Life Stage

Each tree sapling comes with health literature tailored to the occasion, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency’s key campaigns:

🌿 Bereavement & Mental Health Resources – For those registering a death, offering support during difficult times.
🌱 Breastfeeding Guidance – Provided to families celebrating a birth, supporting early childhood health.
💚 Healthy Relationships & Sexual Health Information – Shared with couples registering marriages or civil partnerships, promoting long-term well-being.

This initiative aligns with the Public Health Agency’s Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing, which encourages people to:
✔ Connect – Build relationships and share meaningful experiences.
✔ Be Active – Engage in outdoor activities like tree planting for physical and mental health.
✔ Take Notice – Appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around you.
✔ Keep Learning – Discover the benefits of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
✔ Give – Contribute to a greener, healthier community for future generations.

Trees and Health – More Than Just a Green Space

The benefits of planting trees go beyond aesthetics. Research by the University of Louisville has shown that living near trees can lead to measurable improvements in health—and these benefits can be felt in a relatively short period of time.

🌳 Improved Air Quality – Trees absorb pollutants, reducing respiratory issues and improving overall lung health.
🩺 Heart Health – Exposure to green spaces has been linked to lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels.
😌 Mental Well-being – Time spent in nature is proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and enhance mood.

Read more about this fascinating research in the article linked below. [Insert link]

Planting trees can have immediate health benefits – AirQualityNews

Take 5 Leaflet

Steps for Stress

Help is at Hand

Organ Donation

Directory of Services 

Contact 

By taking part in the Life Project, you’re not just planting a tree—you’re investing in health, happiness, and a cleaner environment for everyone.

📩 Get involved today! Contact us at [email protected]

🌱 Let’s grow a healthier future together. 🌍💚