Root and branch plans for tree improvement launched
Tuesday 13 May 2008
More than 660 new trees have been planted across Haringey during the latest planting season as part of the council's drive to improve the borough's environment.
The announcement of the 665 new trees, planted between November 2007 and April 2008, came as the council set out new plans to protect and enhance the borough's tree population.
Residents are now being invited to comment on the council's new draft Tree Strategy, which outlines how the council will manage, maintain and improve the 40,000 trees in its streets, parks, woods and housing estates up to 2011.
The strategy also sets out plans to increase community involvement in the management of the council's trees, including developing its Tree Warden scheme and establishing a new community tree nursery.
Residents can view the new strategy and give comments by visiting www.haringey.gov.uk/drafttreestrategy. The consultation closes on Monday 7 July.
Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Dhiren Basu, said:
"Trees play a very important role in all of our lives. They improve the appearance of our streets and open spaces, provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, and create better air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants.
"The draft tree strategy sets out how we can make the most of these benefits over the next three years.
"The enthusiastic response to our recent relaunch of the Tree Warden scheme shows that many residents care deeply about preserving and enhancing our stock of trees.
"I'd now encourage anyone who's interested in improving the borough's environment to take a look at the draft strategy and give us their views."
Since 2004, there has been a gradual increase in the number of new trees planted, particularly street trees, where 741 more trees have been planted than were removed.
In 2008-09 the council plans to introduce 75 more trees in Alexandra ward, 50 in Fortis Green, 75 in Seven Sisters and 50 in Northumberland Park. Targets for 2009-10 are for 75 more trees for Highgate, 50 for Noel Park, 75 for White Hart Lane and 50 for Tottenham Hale.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the borough's trees can contact Alex Fraser, Principal Arboricultural Officer, at parks@haringey.gov.uk.
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