AS PART of the Greening Up Our Place project, launched by North East Lincolnshire Council in late 2023, a total of 12 children joined volunteers from the local community, Equans and NELC staff, and participants from All Things Good and Nice CIC to plant a number of trees in the Haverstoe Ward.
With fine, if chilly, weather, the team met at Haverstoe Park before venturing out to Taylor’s Avenue where they dug holes and planted “Hornbeam Frans Fontaine” trees in spaces along the busy street. It was hard work at times, as the trees are already a good size, but the team did a fantastic job before being joined by children from Signhills Primary Academy to plant cherry trees in Haverstoe Park.
A local resident, who has lived in the area since the Fifties, commented: “There used to be many trees along here, but they have mostly disappeared over time. It is a good idea to be planting new trees; it gives it character.
“It is supposed to be an avenue, which is a street full of trees, and there has definitely been a lack of them so it’s nice to see them go back.”
James Elliott, also known as the Canoe River Cleaner and director of All Things Good and Nice CIC, said: “It is great to be able to support the project. As a group that uses nature to ‘educate and stimulate’ we have a good following and an extensive local network. This enables us to use platforms such as social media to ask for volunteers to come to events like this, to help plant the trees.
“It is really important that we increase tree coverage and recognise the science behind them. They reduce pollution by taking in carbon dioxide, which is ideal when next to a busy road, and they have a positive effect on wellbeing.”
Dee Hitter, Head of Environmental Sustainability at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The overall event has been a huge success, and the trees look great. We were stopped by various visitors to the park who were all very pleased with the efforts, and keen to discuss species of trees being planted and our wider planting ambitions. They were all very complementary about the inclusion of school children, who all did a brilliant job.
“It is important that we continue to involve local school children and young people’s groups to inform and educate them about the value of trees. The trees we are planting today will be theirs to cherish and nurture tomorrow.”
Also taking place across town recently was a tree planting event at Springfield Lodge Montessori Day Nursery and Pre School, in Scartho. The nursery runs a Forest School as a part of their programme, using a piece of land near to their premises to teach the children more about the environment. The children helped plant and water five wild cherry trees and a sycamore tree.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, commented: “It is wonderful that so many people are getting involved with Greening Up Our Place, including children and young people across the borough.
“Trees are hugely important for our environment, helping to reduce flooding and taking in carbon dioxide (CO2). They are also good for nature around us, creating habitats for birds and insects, and are excellent for our wellbeing.
“This is an excellent scheme for the whole community, and we look forward to watching these trees grow and flourish.”
Greening Up Our Place is a part of the Tree Strategy, which underpins the council’s commitment to caring for trees under its management and increasing the number of trees in public places. The strategy is supported by the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund and Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF), which will be used to support our tree planting efforts in 2023/24 and 2024/25. Greening Up Our Place aims to restore trees within our streets, parks and open spaces, and increase canopy cover within the borough.
Other wards seeing additional planting during the coming weeks are West Marsh, Sidney Sussex, Immingham, Park, and Heneage.
Find out more at www.nelincs.gov.uk/trees
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