750 new trees to be planted in Newquay
It is part of a £10m scheme to plant more trees in urban areas
A Cornish town has been awarded a share of a £10 million cash pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas.
750 are going to be planted at the Newquay Community Orchard, which is seven-acre multi-functional community space managed by Urban Biodiversity.
They plan to plant 750 trees to enhance the creation of landscape features, create windbreaks and wildlife areas as well as define areas for social activity with the community.
Newquay is among more than 50 projects awarded a share of the £10 million pot to increase tree numbers in urban areas through small-scale planting projects.
The funding has been awarded as part of the second and final round of the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund.
The second round will result in the planting of over 84,000 trees in towns and cities across England. The new trees will provide benefits to health and wellbeing, connect people with the outdoors, improve biodiversity, as well as play a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
The announcement means that there will be a combined total of up to 134,000 new trees planted across England’s towns and cities, which surpasses the Fund’s original target to plant 130,000 trees.
“Community tree planting is a passion of mine which is why I am so excited to see projects like these benefitting from our Urban Tree Challenge Fund.
“Trees give life to our streets and our parks, help improve the health of communities, and provide homes for precious wildlife, and the thousands of new trees that will be planted will bring many benefits for generations to come.”
Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission
“Trees play a crucial role in the fight against the climate and biodiversity loss. In urban areas they can link up our valuable green spaces and connect local communities with nature – something which has never been so important.
“Ahead of our forthcoming England Tree Strategy, and to complement our manifesto ambition to have every new street lined with trees, the success of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund provides a fantastic example of how trees can be planted, managed and enjoyed, wherever you live.”
Forestry Minister, Lord Goldsmith
Grants from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund are administered by the Forestry Commission, and successful applicants are match-funding the money they receive. The money will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.