Tree planting scheme breathes new life into Wincobank
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The company has joined forces with Sheffield City Council’s Trees and Woodlands department in a new scheme that will bring about important environmental improvements.
It aims to:
- Get young people involved in helping to look after their estates and encourage communities to take ownership of the space around them
- Effectively manage existing tree stock so that safety and nuisance issues are kept to a minimum
- Plant new trees chosen specifically to improve the environment and quality of life for local people
- Enhance the appearance of public spaces on the city’s council estates
Young people have recently helped plant 18 trees on Fife Street and Newman Road in the Wincobank area. They will also help to maintain the new stock. To date around 78 young people aged between 13 and 19 have been involved in similar successful schemes.
A range of tree species including cherry, ash, oak, birch and maple were chosen to make an instant impact, as well as increasing biodiversity, supporting wildlife and enhancing public spaces.
In addition to planting new trees, the scheme will manage safety and nuisance issues with existing trees, such as tree roots damaging buildings or blocking light into homes.
Sheffield Homes’ Safer Estates Manager Mark Cowley said: “This initiative will help Sheffield keep its reputation as the greenest city in the UK. We are very keen to work together with local communities to identify areas where we can plant new trees and improve the existing stock.
“The trees chosen for this scheme will bring the maximum benefits to local people and the environment. This project will make the city an even nicer place to live for today’s residents and future generations.”
The Council’s Trees and Woodlands Manager, Dan Lewis, said: “We see this as a good way of getting young people interested and participating in the local environment. We are keen to continue with this innovative and rewarding work.”
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Homes work closely together to keep local areas clean and green. Plans to increase tree planting across the city over the next few years will help achieve that goal.