Community tree planting day

Published Wednesday 21 February, 2024
Last updated on Wednesday 26 June, 2024

People helped plant 700 trees in Sittingbourne!

Swale Borough Council organised a community planting day, on Thursday 29 February, at Hugh Price Close, in Murston.

The event started at 9:30 am and was open to anyone, including schools, groups, businesses and individuals.

All planting equipment was provided, but people were asked to bring their own gloves and wear appropriate footwear.

Those trees were the first of more than 15,000 that the council plan to plant over the next two years, thanks to a government grant of £273,400.

The Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Tree Fund aims to restore trees to areas impacted by disease and habitat loss, caused by both natural processes and human activity.

Trees are being planted all across the borough, with a mix of whips and standard trees depending on the suitability of the location.

A wide variety of native trees will be planted including apple, pine, birch, oak, willow, maple, lime and many more.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the environment committee, said:

“It was great to see the first set of trees planted following our officers hard work in successfully bidding for these funds.

“Tree planting is an integral part of our Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

“Trees remove carbon from our atmosphere, reduce the risk of flooding on our roads and improve our biodiversity.

“It is important to us that these trees stay safe and healthy after being planted, so we have dedicated a portion of the funds to monitor and maintain them for three years.

“We want to encourage the community to get involved in this amazing project, for us to plant the large number of trees we have planned we will need the public’s help.

“So please keep an eye out for more volunteering opportunities like this and help us make Swale a greener place for all.”

You can find information about more community planting days or any cancellations due to inclement weather on Swale Borough Council’s social media.