Residents’ joy as trees make a comeback
More than 1,700 new trees have been planted by Bath & North East Somerset Council over the past two weeks.
The new trees will improve the local environment and are part of the council’s commitment to help tackle and climate and ecological emergencies.
At Twerton Roundhill Open Space 150 new trees, including oak, walnut, cherry and birch, have been planted.
The project was funded by Forest of Avon as part of its #Treesforclimate programme being delivered across the West of England.
In addition, 17 trees have also been planted along Rosslyn Road, just off the A4 in Newbridge. Residents campaigned for the new trees to replace those lost through old age and disease.
The project was funded through Section 106 developer contributions which support social and community projects.
Resident Prue Richardson said: “The majority of the houses in Rosslyn Road were built in the late 1930s with a tree planted outside each semi-detached house. After being left with just seven out of 24 trees we decided it was time to campaign for replacements. The council has been really supportive and we’re really looking forward to living in a treelined street once again.”
Earlier this month the council planted 1,500 trees on the Lansdown escarpment and another 40 on the Bathwick estate.
Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services said: “Trees convert carbon to oxygen and so are key in improving air quality and helping to fight climate change.
“They also provide valuable habitats for wildlife, have a positive impact on our wellbeing and look beautiful. It’s why we’ve committed to plant 100,000 new trees across the district by May 2023.
“We’ve made great strides over the past two weeks and I’d like to thank everyone who has picked up a shovel and helped.
“We’ve still got a long way to go and many more trees to plant, but every new tree that takes root helps our efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.”