The 100,000th tree in the council’s ambitious plan to create swathes of new green areas across the region has been planted.
The milestone tree was planted on Scunthorpe’s Kingsway as a tribute to King Charles by the council’s cabinet member for environment Cllr David Rose, ambassador for environment Cllr Chris Patterson and Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft.
The first tree in the scheme was planted by the same people on Queensway in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Cllr Rob Waltham said: “I am thrilled the 100,000th tree has been planted. It is a testament to the dedication that has been shown not just by the council but by teams of volunteers, schools, community groups and businesses.
“They have all come together to improve the environment of North Lincolnshire right now and to provide a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
The council originally pledged to plant 172,000 trees – one for every person in North Lincolnshire – but this target has been increased to 250,000 as the need for more trees and green areas becomes clear.
The scheme is part of the Government’s Northern Forest plan – a 25-year vision to plant 50 million trees across the North of England, stretching from Liverpool to the Lincolnshire coast.
Cllr Rose said: “Planting new woodland and street trees will increase habitat connectivity, enhance the area, increase the carbon storage and help reduce flooding.
“Well-planned tree planting is an important element of our A Green Future strategy. Anyone can get involved – from landowners who have space for a whole new wood to anyone who has a piece of garden where they can plant a single tree.”
The tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) has been planted with special irrigation pipes and will be watered more regularly as it is outside of the tree planting season, which stretches from November to March.
The council has recently joined the Humber Forest, giving access to more cash and support. Additional Government cash has been secured through the Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund to fund a woodland creation officer.
This will support work to promote planting ‘the right tree in the right place’ and to develop schemes with private landowners and town and parish councils.
Register your tree planting on the tree counter on the council website and see the total of plantings increase.
If you know of a piece of land suitable for tree planting, or are a landowner who would like more information about planting free trees and accessing aftercare, contact andrew.taylor@northlincs.gov.uk
Pictured at the 100,000th planting are: Cllr David Rose, Holly Mumby-Croft MP, Principal Arboricultural Officer Gavin Colby, Cllr Chris Patterson and Local Nature Reserve Officer Alex Cawley.
Below: Alex Cawley installs irrigation pipes around the newly planted tree.
