Merton Council has green events in store as part of the 27th National Tree Week, which aims to increase young peoples involvement in tree-planting and related activities.

Activities for Tree Week, which runs from now until

December 2, include Save the Apples, which takes place tomorrow at 11.30am, at Harland School, Brangwyn Crescent, Wimbledon.

Five saplings will be moved to Cricket Green Special School, Lower Green West, Mitcham, where they will be planted next Wednesday at 11.30am.

Merton children aged between 10 and 13 can also help the environment by planting a tree during Tree Week, which has the theme Imagine a World Without Trees.

A special website can advise them how to germinate their own trees, by collecting and planting seeds such as acorns, beech nuts or horse chestnuts. Seedlings can sprout in two months and a small tree in about two years.

Children are also encouraged to get involved in The Tree Councils launch of a new campaign to protect young trees. At the moment only 50 per cent of those planted, survive. Soil around young trees should be moist, weeds regularly pulled up and dead branches removed.

Tree Council spokesman Kevin Hand said: We hope lots of young people will get involved in tree planting again this year and take an active interest in their environment.

The council aims to improve the environment by planting trees and spreading knowledge about them, as well as acting as a discussion forum.

For more information phone 020 8545 3483 or log onto the website at: www.nationaltreeweek.co.uk