Brentford a priority area for London Mayor's new trees
The Mayor of London announced on 28th May that the third round of City Hall's tree funding grants has opened and that Londoners in areas still in need of trees, can apply now to have one planted in their street. 5000 street trees have already been planted in 24 London boroughs since the Mayor’s scheme started in 2008 which marks the halfway mark to the target of planting 10,000 street trees in the capital by 2012.
The Mayor wants to encourage people living in 40 priority areas including brentfordwho would like trees outside their house, to register their interest online by 14 July at www.london.gov.uk/streettrees.
This will then be passed on to borough councils who, as a requirement for street tree funding applications, will be asked where practicable to plant their allocation of trees in areas where residents most want them. It is expected that 100-400 street trees will be planted in chosen locations across every priority area by March 2012, so by registering online, residents will increase the chances of their streets getting some welcome greenery.
Registering for trees is not a guarantee of getting a tree but the information will be used to help determine which areas benefits from the Mayor's funding. The Mayor's street trees don't have to be planted in the pavement, but can be next to the highway if they clearly contribute to the street scene
Boris Johnson said: 'I am proud that we are halfway to our tree nirvana of 10,000 more trees by 2012. These street trees are now sprouting up across the capital making our skyline greener, air sweeter and laying down their roots in this great city.'
Forestry Commission Chairman, Pamela Warhurst, said: ‘Tree planting in cities has never been more needed and these trees will enhance the daily lives of Londoners in the places that most need them. The Forestry Commission is pleased to be a part of the Mayor’s street tree programme.’
Groundwork London’s Executive Director Lindy Kelly said: “Groundwork London is delighted to be working as delivery partners in this programme. Planting trees in our city’s streets improves the urban landscape and the quality of life for people living and working in London.”
The Mayor's street tree programme is managed by the Forestry Commission, with environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London as delivery partners and is an expansion of the Forestry Commission’s existing London Tree and Woodland Grant Scheme.
Local councils, housing associations and community groups are encouraged by the Mayor to bid for funding so that at least 3500 trees are planted this year.
London is a very green city compared to other world cities, but the Mayor's street tree and parks programmes are working to make London greener. About 1.75 million Londoners live in areas that are further than one km from an area of space containing nature and or wildlife - this has been factor in choosing which areas are being given priority for street trees.
Street trees offer a range of benefits including attracting wildlife, providing shade, helping improve local air quality and reducing flood risk.
Areas which do not lie within a priority area may be eligible for a grant from the Forestry Commission who provide grants to support tree planting in other streets, open spaces, schools and woodland through their Community Grant. More information can be found at http://london.groundwork.org.uk/what-we-do/major-initiatives/london-tree--woodland-grants.aspx
June 8, 2010