Volunteers are being invited to help plant 8,500 trees across Bedford Borough in January and February as part of the Trees For Climate initiative.
In total, 30,000 trees were planted across the Borough in 2022, and it’s hoped that before the end of 2023, a further 35,000 tress will be planted.
The trees will be planted on the following dates at five sites, with what3words giving the exact location:
- Brownswood, 4 January:
- 3,500 trees to be planted over 3.5 hectares of woodland, wood pasture and an orchard.
- Strictly no parking on site but spaces to drop off and pick up are available
- What3Words location: ///directive.arranged.fight
- Longholme Way, 21 January:
- Bedford’s first Miyawaki project, in partnership with Cranfield University and the Bedford Rotary Club. The Miyawaki method mimics the way a forest would recolonise itself without interference from humans. Only native species that would occur naturally in that area are planted.
- 3,200 trees to be planted close together to create a mini-forest within 10 years.
- What3Words location: ///food.rounds.hours
- Maskell Drive, 26 January:
- 1,600 trees are to be planted in the northern area of Maskell Drive to increase woodland plots.
- What3Words location: ///hats.mutual.fine
- Duchess Road, 3 February:
- 120 trees to boost the local environment and help reduce noise pollution.
- What3Words location: ///limit.broom.flip
- Thor Drive, date TBC:
- 110 trees to increase diversity in the Thor Drive greenspace.
- What3Words location: ///daisy.glee.late
Volunteers need to email volunteering@bedford.gov.uk with their choice of site, their details, and those of anyone that will be joining them.
No experience is needed as staff will be on hand to help with guidance and advice.
Attendees should wear suitable warm clothing, including gloves and boots. Equipment, such as spades and clout hammers will be provided on the day but the Council are inviting people to bring their own, where possible.
Each booking slot is for up to one and a half hours of planting and multiple slots can be booked. An email will be sent to confirm the booking and details of the site, such as parking (if available).
Cllr Charles Royden (Brickhill, Lib Dems), Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We’re inviting local residents to walk, cycle, or bus to each site where possible and be part of this community effort to address climate change.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to be part of this great initiative while spending time outdoors and getting some exercise.”
This year’s tree planting is in partnership with the Forest of Marston Vale and funded through the Trees For Climate initiative.
Bedford Borough Council has also secured £150,000 of funding from the Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund which will be used to create green jobs that bring the professional expertise needed to support tree planting and woodland creation at a local level.
Knowledge gained through tree planting in the Borough will also be shared with other councils to support their own tree planting efforts. To learn more about trees in Bedford Borough at bedford.gov.uk/trees.
