Extra 5,000 trees to ensure Sheffield's 'green' future » Environment » 24dash.com

In a major new announcement today, £50,000 has been allocated for planting an extra 5,000 trees as part of the city council’s commitment to safeguard and improve Sheffield’s green environment.

This is probably the greatest single amount ever allocated specifically for tree planting in the city and represents a major boost to the environment and city’s urban forest.

Many of Sheffield’s trees have stood for well over 100 years, making the city more attractive, healthier and habitable. But many of these are fast approaching the end of their natural lifespan and a new generation is needed to take over from these ancient guardians.

This great new initiative will kick-start the regeneration of Sheffield’s urban forest, helping to safeguard and improve this valuable asset for generations to come and helping to reduce the future impact of climate change on the city.

A range of different species will be planted from both natives and exotics and also fruit trees, including those which are drought resistant, ensuring the tree population of the future can adapt and withstand future climatic conditions.

The tree planting will be starting in the Autumn tree planting season with a symbolic tree being planted today in one of Sheffield’s great green and open spaces, Parkwood Springs.

The planting will be undertaken in partnership with schools, the local voluntary and commercial sectors and community groups.  As many people as possible will be involved to help deliver and take ownership of this project, getting involved at every stage of its implementation from planning through to actual delivery on the ground.

An educational element will also be developed to complement the planting,  informing schoolchildren of climate change issues, the value of trees and raising awareness amongst the public of the need to plant trees to help ‘climate-proof’ the city for the future.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, the council’s Cabinet member for Climate Change and Local Environment stated: “We are committed to working with local residents, community groups and schools to plant at least 5,000 new trees in the city this year.

"This will not only enhance the local environment, it will also send out strong messages that our long-term aim is to add to the two million trees already in the city.  We have listened to local residents and have responded by enhancing the green and leafy areas they love so much.”

If you would like to help please contact the Parks and Countryside Service on 0114 250 0500.