The purpose is to galvanise children's interest in nature

Conservation charity The Woodland Trust hopes its Tree For All project will reach a target of 12 million newly planted saplings within five years.

Clive Anderson, Trust president and TV star, accepts the target is challenging

"The more children and adults who can be enthused with love and respect for the natural world, the greater the hope for the future of the planet," he said.

The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with just 12% of its landscape covered with trees. This compares with a European Union average of 30%.

The Trust says existing British woodlands face continuing pressure, from climate change, development and "sheer indifference".

It hopes to galvanise youngsters to get outside and make a difference.

"This is conservation made fun," said the Trust's Andy Beer.

"Keep an eye out for news of public and community planting events in local media and on www.treeforall.org.uk

"If you can't get to an organised tree planting event you can still make a difference by planting a tree at home, at school, in local communities, or you can plant an e-tree online."

The planting campaign will focus on native British species.