Hundreds of new trees take root as second winter planting programme comes to an end

The community programme is part of the Council’s Tree Strategy, which sets out NELC’s approach for managing and protecting the existing tree population, increasing the number of trees in North East Lincolnshire, and for promoting the significant benefits that trees have in society.

It aims to give the residents of North East Lincolnshire a high quality, sustainable environment, which ties in with the Council’s Natural Assets Plan.

Twenty one schools and 19 community groups have taken part in the tree planting since it began in November 2023, and the Council would like to say a big thankyou to all who have given up their time in support of this important environmental cause.

The 'Greening Up Our Place' project was supported by two successful funding bids to the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF) and Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF). Some boroughs, including East Marsh, West Marsh, Sidney Sussex, Immingham, and Croft Baker have as little as 2% tree coverage. The project has allowed the Council to increase the canopy cover in urban areas and replace trees previously felled as a result of damage or disease.

Local residents of all ages have responded to the call to plant trees right across the borough on our streets and parkland. Amanda Fields, Community Family Support Worker, Oasis Hub South Grimsby, was one of them.

She said: “Thank you so much for inviting Oasis community space to your tree planting event. Myself and Emma Chester, a member of our community, helped with the planting of three trees near the Nunthorpe Tavern. Now every time we pass it we say ‘look we planted those trees’. It’s a humble feeling to have supported, and now we can see the trees grow for years to come.”

Cllr Henry Hudson, NELC’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “A very big thankyou to everyone who has taken part in the tree planting both this winter and last. As they grow, these trees will make such a huge difference both to the landscape and to the environment.

“It’s brilliant to see how many trees have already been planted across the borough. There are so many benefits that trees offer us, not least of which is the effect they have on our efforts to get to net zero by capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.

“Everyone in North East Lincolnshire benefits from trees. They help create a sense of place and local identity and have a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health. They create focal points and landmarks, and they benefit communities by increasing pride in the local area.”

To find out more about Greening Up Our Place visit Tree planting - NELC | NELC