Over 500 volunteers join together to create a whole new woodland

A new woodland of 3,500 trees was planted in Hylands Park on Sunday 1 March, with the help of over 500 volunteers. It is part of the commitment by Chelmsford City Council to plant one tree for every resident over the next ten years.

The little saplings, which are all native species, bring the total number of new trees planted in Chelmsford this winter up to 12,435 to date, so there are only 162,565 left to go.

They are very small at the moment and will be protected by animal-proof fencing while they grow, but these two-foot-tall whips will do important work for everyone in the city and far beyond. Councillor Jude Deakin, who joined in the planting effort, explained: “Recent research shows that just one tree, by the time it’s fully grown, can absorb seven tonnes of carbon. The average person currently generates that in a year, so tree planting isn’t the whole answer, but it is certainly going to make a difference to the environmental impact of human activity in this area.”

Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Stephen Robinson, considers tree planting a priority. “The City Council is responsible for providing many essential services day to day – but so is ensuring a safe, happy future for the generations to come. Just as we invest in affordable housing and careful city planning, we are also investing in doing all we can to mitigate the damage that human beings are doing to the environment.

“Planting trees isn’t the whole answer to climate change, but it has an important role to play. In combination with new technology and encouraging reuse and recycling, we can help to stop the climate disaster that will otherwise threaten our communities.”

The tree planting season is nearly at an end. More plantings will be announced next year, but there are plenty more green events to get involved with in the meantime, from river clean-ups to a ‘backstage’ tour of a recycling centre.

You can also join Chelmsford City Parks as a volunteer – there are practical sessions throughout the year, including some weekends. If you’d like to sign up, email [email protected] or call 01245 606554. Follow @LoveYourChelmsford on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with new announcements, or email [email protected] if you have an idea for an environmental event in your area.

Chelmsford City Council is also looking for land to plant more woodland on over the next ten years. If you have or know of an area near you which could be home to new trees, please let us know at [email protected].

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