Adventurer and author Alastair Humphries is backing a new campaign by Trees for Cities to raise money for urban tree planting.

A target of £100k has been set in what is the environmental charity’s largest match-fund campaign to date. In partnership with Big Give, all donations to Trees for Cities will be doubled at no extra cost until 10 December.

The funding will go towards planting and caring for urban trees. “People in cities need trees more than anywhere else to clean up the air, to lower the temperatures, to help with pollution, to bring us some happiness and nature connection, to bring some joy, to get some wildlife into our lives. It’s vital,” says Humphries, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year who is urging the public to donate to the cause.

More than 84% of the UK population lives in urban areas, but tree canopy cover can be as low as 2% in some areas, despite the recommended minimum being 20%.

“We believe everyone has a right to trees and their benefits, no matter your postcode,” says Trees for Cities’ CEO, Kate Sheldon. “Every donation to our campaign will help plant and care for urban trees, bringing their benefits where they’re needed most – transforming local spaces, galvanising communities, and making a difference to people’s lives. Planting a tree plants hope for the future.”

To donate, click here.