TREESY does it… Nearly 400 trees have been planted across Reading since November, as the council continues its climate emergency plan to see 3,000 new branches spring up by the end of the decade.
Tree number 382 was placed into the ground in Kidmore Road late last month. An Acer Platanoides Cleveland, it is replacing a London Plane which died last year. It was chosen by residents as a worthy successor to the tree that was planted by Victorians.
The residents included Dan Winchester, who helped to plant the new tree alongside Reading’s lead member for Environmental Services & Community Safety, Cllr Karen Rowland.
The Acer is one of 82 specifically planted to replace those that have died or have had to be removed.
This is alongside 300 saplings planted since November, with five more due to be installed by the end of this month.
It’s all part of Reading’s tree strategy, adopted in 2021, in response to the climate emergency.
The council says that by planting trees, they can help absorb carbon dioxide from the air, as well as reducing flooding and noise, improving wildlife habitats, providing shade against rising summer temperatures and boosting the character and colour of the town.
Nearly every ward has seen tree planting in the past four months, and the aim is to see at least 12% canopy cover in each of the borough’s 16 wards, an and overall canopy cover of at least 25%.
Cllr Rowland said: “Our tree planting strategy is hugely ambitious, and planting 387 trees in just five months demonstrates our commitment to that.
“We’re doing all we can to make smart decisions about putting in ‘the right tree in the right location’ for the climate and the future of Reading, and doing so involves a good deal of thought and science in ensuring we plant trees that will enhance Reading for decades to come.
“All residents should expect to see the benefits of enhanced tree cover in their local area in the coming years.”
She added: “I’m really proud to see the collaborative efforts in Kidmore Road come to fruition. This interaction and interest from the community has been a fine example of how the Council and residents can work together to achieve results, and it was great to see them out earlier this week to help bring this project to a really positive conclusion.”
