Council branches out to mark borough's 850th anniversary celebrations

Published: 28 November 2022

Tree planting, Urban Tree Planting Strategy, Sustainable Environment Strategy, carbon capture, net carbon zero, sustainability, green spaces.
Council Leader Simon Tagg and Cabinet member Trevor Johnson started the first phase of the Urban Tree Planting Strategy by planting 30 cherry trees on green space at Sandy Lane in Newcastle.

Hundreds of lime trees could be planted on land at the former Keele golf course in spring 2023 to celebrate the forthcoming 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The fitting proposal – being discussed by Cabinet at its meeting next week – features in the latest phase of a long-term strategy to turn local green spaces into carbon capture woodlands for future generations.

On the agenda is an update on the Council’s Urban Tree Planting Strategy, an ongoing project to boost the number of trees on urban sites across the borough which will contribute towards ambitious net carbon zero goals as part of its Sustainable Environment Strategy.

As well as plans for a commemorative Lyme Forest at Keele containing 850 lime trees – a nod to the ancient forests that gave Newcastle part of its name – in addition to other associated planting early next year to mark the borough’s royal charter of incorporation in 1173, the initial part of phase four involves planting proposals for Clough Hall Park in Kidsgrove; Kennet Close, Westbury Park; Moreton Parade, May Bank and St. Edmund’s Avenue in Wolstanton which are scheduled to be completed this winter following consultation with residents. Additional sites are set to be planted up with a range of native trees in early 2023. Residents can comment on the plans for Keele at www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk until 5 December.

Over the past two years, 265 trees have been planted on eight sites, including Sandy Lane, Newcastle; Repton Drive, Westlands and Newchapel Recreation Ground. All sites will form part of an essential mosaic of local green spaces that will be protected for the benefit of nature recovery and carbon capture for the future. In time, further carbon reduction opportunities on these sites, with community involvement, will be considered.

Cabinet next meets at Castle House on Tuesday, 6 December at 2pm.

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “Trees not only enhance popular and much-loved green spaces; they’re vital to our very existence as they’re the ultimate carbon capture. They play a major role in our environment by providing oxygen, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife.

"The Urban Tree Planting Strategy is focusing on carrying out tree planting in the borough’s urban wards as this is where carbon capture is most needed to mitigate the carbon footprint generated in built-up areas, both now and into the future. Ultimately, planting lots of new trees will help the Council on its journey to net carbon zero, in terms of removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, as part of its Sustainable Environment Strategy which prioritises a sustainable future for the borough.

"We're also keen to involve local residents in the process of safeguarding urban green space and enhancing the local environment across the borough."

A community donation scheme is being set up via the Council’s website which will allow residents and businesses to contribute towards future tree planting projects across Newcastle-under-Lyme.