MORE than 800 new trees and saplings were planted in Worcester over the winter in an effort to reduce air pollution, increase air quality and enhance the city’s appearance.
Four hundred hazel saplings have been planted in Warndon Wood, in a bid to improve and protect the bluebell habitat, and 200 hazel trees were planted in Brickfields Park as well as a number of maple, birch, pine and oak saplings.
The trees were planted by the charity Trees for Cities with funding from the Rowlands Trust and W A Cadbury Charitable Trust.
Kathy Silenga, UK projects manager of Trees for Cities, said: “In a single year one mature leafy tree produces enough oxygen to allow ten people to breathe, and absorbs as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide. That’s why we need more trees in our cities, and the 800 planted in Worcester will grow to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of local residents.”
Trees for Cities has planted more than 750,000 trees in cities around the world since 1993 with the aim of having planted a million trees by 2020. Trees have been planted in a other parks and green spaces across the city, including Power Park in St Peter’s, Diglis Playing Fields and Pitchcroft.
Volunteers from many organisations including the University of Worcester, Heart of Worcestershire College and Regency High School have helped with the planting.
This week cherry, plum, pear, and rowan trees have been planted in Sidbury and Dolday, areas which regularly experience high volumes of traffic.
Twenty one other saplings were planted have also been planted by the Commandery, Newport and Cattlemarket car parks.
For more information, go to www.treesforcities.org
