The communities of Poolbrook and Sherrards Green are to benefit from the planting of 40 new trees thanks to a grant from the Forestry Commission.
Trees within the urban landscape provide homes for wildlife, reduce air pollution and help to tackle climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A mix of native species including oak, hornbeam, cherry and rowan are being planted as part of the project organised by the Trust to increase tree numbers in areas where woodland cover is low. The large variety of species will provide some security against tree diseases which are expected to increase in prevalence as the climate changes.
Planting locations have been carefully chosen to replace some of the iconic avenues found around Malvern, others will provide the next generation of trees for the future and some trees will be planted where there are none currently.
Volunteers from the Malvern Hills Trust and local school pupils will be planting some of the trees over the next couple of weeks and learning more about the ecology of trees and the value of trees in the landscape.
Beck, Community and Conservation Officer said "We're delighted to be able to bring the benefits of trees to some of Malvern's urban areas. These locations have been chosen where there are fewer trees and where tree planting will positively impact communities both environmentally and socially."
"Wildlife will of course benefit but it has been proven that spending time near trees and living and working near trees can improve people's mental health and physical health. We're delighted to be working with volunteers and local school pupils in this project and encourage the care of and foster a connection with environment which improves all of our lives."
The planting is part of a larger planting project supported by the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund. In January, ten plum trees were planted to restore an old orchard near to St Andrew's Road.
