A tree planting project highlights the importance of creating more forests as colleagues from LiveWest and residents from across Cornwall volunteer to plant them.
Today is International Day of Forests which was introduced on March 21 by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of all different tree types and raise awareness of preserving them.
This year the theme is Forests and Health as they contribute to many aspects of improving health and wellbeing but continue to be endangered by fire, pests or droughts or deforestation.
Forest for Cornwall aims to increase the hectares of tree cover by 2030 covering two per cent of land. This forms part of Cornwall Council's Climate Action Plan, and part of the Environmental Growth Strategy working to reduce carbon emissions, with the aim of Cornwall becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The Forest for Cornwall scheme is a partnership between LiveWest and Cornwall Council and as part of this ongoing project, over 80 trees were planted across six sites that were identified during a consultation process.
Owain Holland, our Tree Officer, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we could get these trees in the ground in several locations around Penzance - they will improve the appearance and value of these areas for our residents and wider community for years to come and we’ve had really positive feedback. It’s been great working with Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall team and engaging with our residents on the project.
“Our staff volunteers really enjoyed helping with the planting and we’ve recruited a number of Tree Guardians who live nearby to help with the watering of the trees until they establish. It’s been great working with Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall team and engaging with our residents on the project. I really hope it will be well-received.”
LiveWest will be looking after the trees but it is also asking the community to become Tree Guardians which involves watering, weeding, and keeping an eye on especially during a trees early stage of being planted. As part of volunteering, residents can join the Time Credit Scheme where accumulating volunteering hours amounts to voucher credits which can be spent at local businesses.
The trees in our towns and cities are collectively known as the Urban Forest. The Urban Forest improves our air, reduces stormwater runoff, saves energy, and improves economic sustainability. There are also many physical and mental health benefits associated with being near trees. LiveWest has over 36,000 trees in its stock which store over 3,600 tonnes of CO2, with a further 109 tonnes sequestered every year. They remove 3.9 tonnes of airborne pollutants each year.
By taking part in the project, it allows areas of Cornwall where developments have large green areas that are empty of any plants or trees, to be planted so there can be positive benefits for the environment and the community.
Stephen Reynolds, Penzance Town Councillor and volunteer for the project, said: “Forest for Cornwall may sound like a lot of trees all in one place, but much of the focus is on micro-projects with just a few trees in the heart of communities. Although the Forest for Cornwall team provide the trees and help look after them during year one, the community can play its part.
“Half-a-dozen trees may not sound much – but they will make a difference. The sweet cherry in Rosehill Meadow may flower as early as this spring, bringing a welcome splash of colour – and attracting pollinators. And the trees will help shade the play area in the increasingly hot summers we’re experiencing.”
We held consultation events at several neighbourhoods to get feedback from residents and the wider community on the proposals. The feedback given shaped these proposals and changes were made to the trees which were planted.
Our colleagues recruited Tree Guardians during this process as it’s important that green spaces are looked after to create long-term benefit in communities.
Jordan Edgecombe, our Support Worker and volunteer on the project, said: “We found Treneere to be a very friendly estate, with many residents thanking us for coming and putting the trees in. Many post-war housing estates have a lot of empty green space, which can feel quite empty and barren.
"We received assurances from the residents that they would take care of the trees and water them regularly. They appreciated that we as a housing association weren’t just doing the bare minimum, but rather being proactive in finding ways to help improve the space.
“I liked seeing the extent of the effort that we are making in working with Cornish communities such as Alverton and Treneere. Working in partnership with Cormac and Forest for Cornwall was also really insightful, they were a great bunch who led the session really well.”
Cornwall Councillor, Martyn Alvey, said: “Trees increase biodiversity and capture carbon so are key to addressing the climate and ecological emergencies. But they also clean the air, provide shelter and improve our community spaces, encouraging us to go out and enjoy nature more thereby boosting our physical and mental health.
“We want to thank everyone who has helped put trees in the ground and transformed their community spaces for everyone to benefit and to ask everyone to register their planting with the Forest for Cornwall.”