Ah, the teeth-gnashing angst of being single when it seems as if everyone around you is coupled up on Valentine’s Day. Considering how hard it can be to meet people with similar interests, it’s tempting to make a date with the couch, the remote and a pint of soy ice cream.

But singles in one British town will have a reason to get out and gab with their fellow bachelors and bachelorettes on Valentine’s Day – in nature, no less, planting trees in an underprivileged community.

A program called Trees for Cities is holding a tree-planting speed-dating charity event at Sunnybrow Park in Manchester, recruiting single volunteers to spend a Sunday wielding shovels and gardening as they plant 3,000 new trees and maybe even meet someone special in the process.

Not only will the speed-dating singles be providing a haven for wildlife and increasing biodiversity in the park, they’ll be adding to the health and vitality of city residents by providing a beautiful, relaxing green space.

Even if they don’t make a match, the day won’t be a total wash. Participants will be helping out the environment and a community in need. Isn’t that a greater gift than sweets and jewelry? Tree therapy for singles on V-Day – perhaps it will catch on.

Image: Alex Indigo