Street Trees project lays down roots in Redbridge

A green initiative in Redbridge will lead to 50 new street trees being planted in the borough.

The new trees will be homed on streets near the Crossrail route by Chadwell Heath as part of an initiative between environmental charity Trees for Cities, and Redbridge Council.

As the trees grow they will not only beautify the neighbourhood, but help clean the air and create a healthier, cleaner and greener environment for surrounding communities.

Among the species being planted are Cherry, Field Maple, Whitebeam, Liquidambar, Silverbell and Hawthorn.

The project has already started and included a socially distanced community planting day led by Trees for Cities, which saw 8 of the 50 trees being planted with the help of local residents keen to get involved in the project.

Andrew Richards, Arboricultural Officer at Redbridge Council, said: “We are already one of the greenest boroughs in London – but we want to do more. This project is the latest in a range of environmental initiatives with Trees for Cities to plant more trees in the borough. As the trees grow, local communities will be able to reap the benefits for years to come.”

David Elliott, Chief Executive at Trees for Cities, said: "As a tree-planting organisation with local communities and people at its heart, we have seen the direct benefits that urban trees and green spaces bring to people and to the communities we work in.

“Now more than ever, we understand the vital importance of connecting with nature and transforming urban spaces to bring the many benefits that urban trees provide.

“This project is another excellent example of one of the many exciting projects being delivered through this strategic partnership with Redbridge Council; making our towns and cities greener, healthier and happier places to be for many years to come.”

Trees for Cities works on a national and international scale to plant trees in cities to improve lives and cultivate lasting change in neighbourhoods.

The charity has been working with Redbridge Council for several years forming a partnership that has led to a number of successful environmental initiatives in the borough including new woodlands and orchards in Seven Kings Park, Goodmayes, Hainault, Woodford and Roding Valley, and new trees for South Park, Loxford Park and Barley Lane. 

The 50 Street Trees project is funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Find out more about CIL here

For more information relating to the maintenance of council owned trees visit:

https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/council-trees/

https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/adopt-and-water-a-tree/