The winter tree planting season has closed on a high note as North Lincolnshire Council clocks up more than 92,000 trees – well on the way to the 172,000 Northern Forest target – one tree for every person in North Lincolnshire.
Mayor Peter Clark helped plant some of the final trees of the season alongside members of Thornton Curtis Women’s Institute.
The WI wanted to mark their 100th anniversary by planting 100 trees in and around Thornton Curtis and surrounding villages.
However, they smashed their original target, as members and supporters rallied round to make a final total of 309.
Many of the trees were sourced from charities with support from the council, who also helped in identifying and assessing planting sites.
This was further added to by a local landowner, who planted 407 trees at North Killingholme.
Individuals, community groups, local councils and businesses have all come together this winter to plant thousands of trees across the area.
Voluntary group The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have joined with community groups such as Scunthorpe Pentagon Rotary and businesses including Regal Fish Supplies and Lincolnshire Co-op to plant trees across the area.
The council has also continued with its own planting schemes, aimed at creating urban woodlands in places such as Grange Lane North and Healey Road in Scunthorpe.
It is part of the council’s commitment to the environment, playing a vital part in its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030, as well as prevent flooding and enhance the environment.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for environment, said: “The number of schemes we have seen this winter, with great support from volunteers, community groups, businesses and private landowners, has been fantastic.
“We mustn’t forget the residents who have recorded single trees in their back gardens, proving that every sapling counts.
“Trees are vital to the future of our planet, helping absorb carbon and providing green havens in urban areas. Planting a tree is a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren.”
The Northern Forest is the Government’s 25-year vision to plant 50 million trees across the North of England, stretching from Liverpool to Hull, with North Lincolnshire in a surrounding ‘halo’ area.
The council has set an ambitious target to see 172,000 trees planted in North Lincolnshire, but cannot achieve it alone, which is why anyone who plants a tree is asked to record it on the tree planting form on the council website where it will be added to the tree counter.
The next tree-planting season starts in the autumn, but it is never too early to start planning your planting. For information on suitable sites, funding and volunteer services contact andrew.taylor@northlincs.gov.uk.
To volunteer for tree planting and maintenance contact TCV Humber & East Yorkshire via their website.
