About us

International Tree Foundation is a charity working with local communities to plant trees and restore forests in places where, together, we can make the fastest, most lasting impact for communities and the future of our planet.

An old black and white image of The Green Front Truck

One hundred years ago, an environmentalist had a vision to equip communities to plant trees that protect the planet and transform their landscapes and lives.

Since 1922

Our work planting and protecting trees

  • Africa Programme

    Working with local community groups to plant trees and restore forests, our work delivers holistic reforestation that transforms landscapes and lives.

  • UK Programme

    Supporting grassroots community engagement in tree planting, our work brings to life small-scale projects across the country.

ITF is run by a small dedicated team of staff and trustees who work with partners to plant trees in Africa and the UK.

Meet the team

Three people are holding tree saplings in a nursery in Africa.

1 tree

planted every

20 seconds

A child and an adult are looking happy in nature, with plants coming into view in front of them. This image was taken in Africa.

As the oldest international tree planting charity in the world, we have a long history of growing trees and restoring and conserving forests.

Yet our work is about much more than tree planting. We know that the relationship between people and forests determines the success of our work.

That’s why we are a community-led organisation. Meaning that the people whose livelihoods depend upon local forests are the people who decide which trees to plant, where, and why.

Why we plant trees

At ITF, we recognise the multiple benefits of trees for both people and planet. We plant trees to:

  • Restore and protect forests

  • Capture carbon and combat the effects of climate change

  • Increase and support vital biodiversity

  • Create and improve livelihoods

  • Support gender inclusion and advance gender justice

  • Improve farming outcomes through agroforestry

  • Improve access to vital resources like food and medicine.

A person holding a tree sapling in each hand, smiling at the camera, and wearing a bright green T-shirt.
 

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