Background and Membership

The UK based charity ‘Mount Kenya Tree Nursery’ has developed from a long term successful partnership between the Mount Kenya Re-Forestation and Tree Planting project and UK volunteers and fund raisers Bill and Liz Caudwell. Bill and Liz travel to Kenya annually, at their own expense, providing advice, support and help with fund raising.

Kenyan Re-forestation Group

In 2003 a small group of Kikuyu subsistence farmers, who live on the slopes of Mt. Kenya became increasingly concerned about the damage to the local environment being caused by deforestation. The farmers therefore decided to establish a tree nursery. Their intention was to follow the teachings of the Green Belt Movement by growing and distributing seedlings to their neighbours. They in turn would plant saplings on their land in the hope that the timber grown would reduce the need to exploit the fast-diminishing forests. In this venture the group has been encouraged and coordinated by Joseph Wanjau, owner of the nearby Mt. Kenya Youth Hostel.

Mount Kenya Tree Nursery UK Based Charity Members

Having spent much of his formative years in Africa, Bill has a deep passion for the continent and Kenya in particular. It was therefore natural that he became involved with the scheme following a visit to Mt. Kenya in 2005. To the project he brings expertise as a conservation geographer.

Bill’s wife Liz, a retired Primary Head teacher, has become involved with the development of the nearby nursery school. Her organisational and educational skills are put to good use in enhancing the educational side of the project.

With the help of three other charity trustees, Pamela Garrard, Emma Rickard and Matthew Caudwell the charity has been established to provide financial support for both the Tree Nursery and other community initiatives such as the provision of conservation education and nursery schooling. All trustees give their time and efforts freely, ensuring the most effective use of all donations and sponsorship.