More than 120 residents have so far received free trees as part of a one-off giveaway offer by the Isle of Wight council.
The scheme, run in partnership with Gift to Nature, proved hugely popular with all 500 saplings claimed within hours of its launch last month.
Species such as crab apple, wild cherry, rowan, hazel and birch were available.
Ten-year-old Elliott was excited to receive a dogwood which he planted this week with his grandad, Barry. The youngster said,
“I love planting trees to help the environment.
“Trees are important as they help provide cleaner air and improve the environment.”
Waiting list
There are a small number of trees left over and the council will offer these to applicants who are on the waiting list on the same first come, first served basis as before.
Planting trees in the right place helps to improve nature, tackle air pollution and reduces the amount of carbon in our atmosphere, as well as having positive impacts on physical and mental wellbeing.
430 trees planted by IWC
The council’s parks and recreation team has planted some 430 trees during the past two winters, including:
- 224 standard trees across council parks and open spaces;
- 90 whips and willow trees at Seaclose Park and Seaclose Arboretum;
- 40 whips in Appley Park;
- 30 tree whips at Lake recreation field;
- 30 whips in Shanklin Cemetery;
- nine fruit trees at Park Road Recreation Ground orchard, Cowes;
- five Scots pines at Ryde Canoe Lake.
300 more trees planted in last year
Meanwhile, across the Gift to Nature sites, with partners, around 300 trees have been planted by Natural Enterprise in the past 12 months.
The council is also doing its bit to support tree planting on a global scale.
Through its contract with mobile phone provider, Nokia, some 1,750 trees will be planted as part of the company’s ‘Let’s Plant Together’ scheme.
Bacon: Trees can help slow down climate change
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment, said,
“We are thrilled that the free giveaway enabled and inspired so many of our residents to contribute to our fight against climate change through tree planting.
“Engaging with residents is an important part of our Mission Zero Climate and Environment Strategy, which outlines priorities and objectives towards becoming carbon neutral.
“One of the big reasons climate change is happening is because people are letting too much carbon get into the atmosphere. Trees can take this carbon out of the air, which can help slow down climate change.”
Taking place again next year
It is hoped a similar scheme will operate next year when the council also plans to work with local organisations to plant more whips across the Island.
Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in being involved.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
