As the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh celebrates its 350th anniversary, I am joining with #Team350th Community Fundraisers to support our work. My challenge over the course of the year will be to hug 350 tree - posting photo updates as I go.

All funds raised here will directly support the our beautiful Sequoia Avenue at Benmore Botanic Garden.

Described as one of the finest entrances to a botanical garden anywhere in the world, the magnificent Redwood Avenue at Benmore Botanic Garden, on Scotlands west coast, is in desperate need of innovative actions or risk being lost to the nation through climate change and disease.Help us save Benmore's iconic Giant Redwood Avenue. Your support will enable us to carry out much-needed work to protect these beautiful trees for generations to come.

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who has already given so generously. Because we have reached the goal of £350 so early in the year, I am increasing my fundraising goal to £700.