Joss Stone took time out of her world tour to help plant trees that will offer a safe haven for wild birds in New Zealand.The 27-year-old soul singer was helping a project designed to protect the birds from predators such as rats, possums and cats.
Situated on an island in the Waikato River, Joss, fellow musician Tiki Taane and Earthrace’s Pete Bethune, planted several varieties of trees, including Rewa Rewa and Kahikatea, a species of tree that can grow to over 60m high.
Few predators can reach the island so situating the trees here allows the birds a safety they may not find on the mainland. "It’s great to be able to work with Earthrace on this; the birds have so many threats so to have a sanctuary on the island is fantastic", said Joss.
She added: "I’d love to come back when my trees have grown a bit to see how they’ve made a difference. "Joss is currently on her Total World Tour, which takes in countries and cities that may not normally be visited.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDuring the tour, Joss will be performing in countries including Tunisia and Slovakia, as well as Australia, America and the United Arab Emirates.
Explaining her decision to expand the touring horizons, Joss wrote on her official tour website: "A world tour should mean a world tour, no one country is more important than another. "She went on to say: "Yet historically touring is kept to the countries that can be the most profitable for the artist. I have been given music as my vehicle through life to communicate and spread good feeling; waking up emotions in myself and others.
"I firmly believe in its power to reach out and touch. I want to use that vehicle to its fullest potential by sharing what I have to give with every corner of our globe. singling out no one culture or country."
