Environmental groups have welcomed Hackney Council’s plans to plant more trees in Cazenove, hailing the scheme as a progressive move towards tackling climate change.
The plans were announced as part of an initiative to plant 5,000 more street trees by 2022, which would increase canopy cover in the borough by 50 per cent.
The programme will take a science-based approach to tree selection and distribution to ensure that carbon dioxide capture, biodiversity and resilience to global warming are at the forefront of investments in green infrastructure.
Christine Kings of the tree-planting group Tree Musketeers, said: “The Council has done a fantastic job over the last decade planting street trees and we’re pleased that this is being dramatically expanded.
“They’ve also started to combine street trees with sustainable drainage schemes and wildflower friendly soils which is very progressive.”
Daisy Hutchison of Plastic-Free Hackney said: “In the city, it is so important that we nurture our precious green spaces. Nature is messy, but wouldn’t you rather live among bees and butterflies than pristine paving slabs?”
Recognising the potential of trees to improve mental health and wellbeing, as well as filter polluted air, the Council describe the new initiative as an investment in public health infrastructure.
