Shrewsbury is set to become a little greener, thanks to funding from the Big Tree Plant funding scheme.
Shrewsbury Town Council, in partnership with Shropshire Council Highways, Countryside and Natural Environment teams, has secured an initial award of £5,500 from the Big Tree Plant initiative which is administered by Groundworks London and funded through the Forestry Commission and DEFRA.
This initial 12 month award, which is based on the Shrewsbury town area, leads on to years two to four which will then incorporate the rest of the county.
Over the four-year period the scheme will see more than £32,700 secured by the partnership.
The grant will cover mostly small scale tree planting of individual street trees and groups of trees in green spaces or school grounds and recreation sites with public access.
Launched in December 2010, The Big Tree Plant is a Government-sponsored campaign in England to promote the planting of one million trees in neighbourhoods where people live and work.
The campaign will run over four years from 2011 to 2015 a will distribute a total of £4.2m to community, civic and other non-profit groups.
Mike Pugh, technical officer for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “These trees will benefit neighbourhoods in the long term and to this effect we will be looking for individuals or community groups to suggest planting sites for trees which they believe would add amenity value to the areas in which they live.”
Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Prosperity added: “Shropshire Council recognises the importance of trees and appreciates the many diverse benefits they bring to the people, landscape and wildlife of Shrewsbury and across the county. We are delighted to receive the support of Big Tree Plant funding and look forward to working with our project partners to plant more trees for the future.”
For further information, or to suggest planting sites, contact Mike Pugh, Shrewsbury Town Council, on 01743 257661 or email mike.pugh-stc@shropshire.gov.uk or Martin Sutton, Shropshire Council, on 01743 252422 or email martin.sutton@shropshire.gov.uk
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk