Month of tree planting activities in city to support climate change commitment

More than 3,000 new trees will take root across Wolverhampton this month as City of Wolverhampton Council organises five special planting events to help tackle climate change, boost public health and support nature.

Trees will be planted at sites across the city to support the council’s Tree and Woodland Strategy as well as recognising our recently declared climate emergency. 

Five sessions have been organised by the city council, working in partnership with local councillors, business, environmental and conservation charities and the local community.

Over November 11 and 18, around 1,700 trees will be planted on land at Hawkswell Drive in Willenhall and Moseley Road in Bilston. The planting will take place in partnership with conservation charity The Woodland Trust and Employee Volunteering, which helps staff from businesses volunteer in the community.

On November 27 and 28, more than 800 trees will be planted at Windsor Avenue Playing Fields and Muchall Park in Penn. The planting will be carried out by and is being organised by the council in partnership with Penn Climate Action.

And on November 29, the council will be planting 600 trees for a second Tiny Forest in the city at Moseley Road Open Space in Bilston, in partnership with environmental charity Earthwatch.

This month’s activities will form part of the national Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, a UK-wide tree planting initiative to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which takes place next year.

Also part of the scheme will be the planting in the new year of a further 20,000 new trees after the council secured almost £130,000 from The Woodland Trust. Planting is planned for areas of the city where there is currently less tree cover. 

Native species such as English oak, hawthorn, crab apple, silver birch and hazel will be planted after the council was successful in receiving £129,500 from the Trust earlier this year.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment and climate change, said: “As the eyes of the world are focused on the very important discussions currently taking place in Glasgow at COP26, it is clear that none of us can ignore the very real threat posed by climate change. As a council we have pledged to do all we can to help tackle it.

“One of the steps we can take is to plant trees. More trees mean more carbon captured from the atmosphere as well as an improved habitat for wildlife, a reduction in the effects of summer heat and a way to limit the risk of flooding.

“Not only are there huge environmental advantages, but there are health and well-being benefits too. Getting outside and creating and enjoying green spaces in our neighbourhoods can make a real difference to peoples’ physical and mental well-being.

“I’m delighted that we’re taking every opportunity we can to provide a cleaner, greener environment for our residents.”

Anyone who would like to take part in the community tree planting in Penn can contact Penn Climate Action via email: Pennclimateaction@hotmail.com