New trees take root in latest phase of council's planting scheme
Additional green spaces across Newcastle-under-Lyme are becoming even more attractive and welcoming for residents, visitors and local wildlife.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has added almost 3,000 new trees – including beech, blackthorn, hazel, silver birch and wild cherry varieties – at eight different locations during the latest stage of its Borough Tree Planting Strategy.
The long-term strategy, part of the overarching Sustainable Environment Strategy, aims to create a mosaic of sites across the borough that will be protected for the benefit of habitat protection, nature recovery and carbon capture.
The sites featuring in phase seven of the scheme are Bathpool Park, land off Bignall End Road, Audley; Birchenwood Countryside Park, Crackley recreation ground, the Donkey Field at the rear of Ellams Place, Silverdale; land by Paris Avenue, opposite The Butts, Thistleberry followed by Newcastle’s Station Walks and Queen Elizabeth Park.
The council has already planted, or facilitated, 34,000 trees at 37 locations over the past five years in consultation with residents.
Cllr. David Hutchison, Cabinet member for Sustainable Environment, said:
I’m delighted to see phase seven of our tree planting strategy coming to life. Our work to significantly increase the tree canopy across Newcastle-under-Lyme is not only improving the look and feel of different areas but it’s also playing an important role in supporting our wider environmental goals.
Having been the first council in Staffordshire to adopt a nature recovery motion back in November 2021, we’re proud to be working with residents to grow a borough that is richer in local wildlife. Boosting green infrastructure in this way is also vital for the well-being of our residents and for creating a more sustainable borough for future generations.”
Council Leader Simon Tagg added:
This latest tree planting is another important step in our vision to create a greener and more vibrant borough. By investing in high-quality public spaces, we are making them more appealing for residents and visitors while delivering real environmental benefits. These trees will make a lasting difference, helping to build a healthier, more sustainable borough that residents can be proud of now and well into the future.
We are simultaneously progressing a programme of Fields in Trust applications to ensure these newly planted areas – alongside our cherished parks and open spaces – receive permanent protection from development in perpetuity.”