Wolverhampton to get 20,000 more trees in new year

Following a consultation with members of the public, the council has given the go-ahead for the planting to begin in January – with the majority of sites selected on the eastern side of the city where there are fewer trees.

The council secured almost £130,000 from the Woodland Trust earlier this year, with a specific focus on native species such as English oak, hawthorn, crab apple, silver birch and hazel.

Each of the trees will be up to 60cm high, with most planting areas fenced off. The trust has provided funding for the ten largest sites.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment and climate change, said: "It’s fantastic that so much planting is planned for our city. Each tree brings us closer to a clear, green environment.

"People are becoming much more aware of the benefits trees can provide. They capture carbon from the atmosphere, offer shade in hot weather, limit the risks of flooding and create a safe habitat for wildlife.

"Plus, they give us the chance to get out into nature and experience a boost to our own emotional health and well-being, something which has become increasingly important over the past 18 months."

The council approved a Tree and Woodland Strategy in January 2020 and also declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019.

Carol Hyatt, founder of the city’s Penn Climate Action Group, said: “I think this is a truly great initiative. According to data from Friends of the Earth locally, four per cent of Wolverhampton is woodland compared to 13 per cent in the best other similar authority.

“Thirty-six hectares of land might be suitable for woodland development, so it’s fantastic that Wolverhampton Council is taking the initiative to plant more trees.

“Many newly-planted trees may need watering if we have a long, dry summer. Hopefully, people will keep an eye out for newly-planted trees and share a bottle of water with them so the majority of those planted will survive."

Five smaller sites in the city are planned as ‘tiny forests’, which involves planting 600 trees in a 200 square-metre area – the size of a tennis court. These are designed to grow quickly as the ground is prepared beforehand.

The council is currently working with a range of partners on proposals to develop five further ‘tiny forests’.

Wolverhampton already has one forest at Oak Street Open Space in Merridale, with a second due to be planted at Moseley Road Open Space in Bilston.