BRFM Swale Borough Council plants 2,500 new trees to help tackle climate change
Written by karen on 5 May 2020
Swale Borough Council has planted 2,500 trees as part of their commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
More than 60 volunteers helped plant oak, hazel, beech, hawthorn, alder, willow, dog wood, wild cherry, crab apple, blackthorn, silver birch, pines, yew and holly trees between November 2019 and February 2020.
Engie, the Woodland trust, Away Days Faversham, The Friends of Oare Gunpowder Works and Optivo donated more than half the trees, and the council provided the rest along with heavy tree guards and stakes.
The trees were planted at Milton Creek and Oare Gunpowder Works Country Parks.
Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment at the council, said:
“We planted 14 different types of trees at Milton Creek and Oare Gunpowder Works Country Parks this winter.
“We worked in partnership with local companies and organisations to plant 2,500 trees as part of our commitment to address the climate and ecological emergency we’re facing.
“Volunteers from Engie, the Woodland trust, Away Days Faversham, The Friends of Oare Gunpowder Works, Optivo, Friends of Milton Creek, DS Smith all helped to plant the trees, as well as volunteers on family planting days.
“Once grown to maturity, the trees will absorb around 25 tonnes of carbon each year which will help offset our carbon emissions.
“The trees will also provide a habitat for our local wildlife, encouraging biodiversity and helping to restore nature in our parks.
“Our climate and ecological emergency action plan was approved by Cabinet on 22 April – the 50th Earth Day – to help guide us as we make our operations carbon neutral by 2025, followed by the borough in 2030.”
The action plan can be viewed here.
For more information about air quality around the borough visit www.swale.gov.uk/air-quality.
