NEW trees have been planted in the borough under Redditch Council’s woodland management plan.
Around 2,600 native oak, field maple and cherry saplings were planted at Hunt End Lane and Arrow Valley Park by tree and landscape teams.
The work comes under the council’s long-term plan across 168hectares (415acres) of woodland in Redditch that forms a valuable part of the town’s landscape and is a well-used amenity for residents.
That 30-site plan, established in 1995, recognises different approaches are required across various areas, led by residents’ needs and best practices in conservation and silviculture.
Five designated ancient and semi-natural woodlands, at Pitcheroak, Southcrest, Wirehill, Oakenshaw, and Foxlydiate, plus several smaller spinneys, make up 116hectares (289acres) of the plan.
They have quite different needs to the remaining 52hectares (126acres), a host of younger mostly new town plantations created since the 1960s to separate homes, roads and industrial areas and create a more pleasant experience with lower noise and better air quality.
The council’s portfolio holder for environmental services, Councillor Brandon Clayton, said: “People in Redditch know you’ll struggle to find a greener town anywhere in England, and we’re proud of what the borough council and local residents do to keep it that way.
“What a mammoth effort by the teams to plant nearly 3,000 trees.
“It’s great to see new trees going in like this and creating future-proof new plantings which will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
The plan also aims to be self-funding to keep down the amount of council tax maintaining so much woodland would require.
The latest trees were bought with a grant from the Forestry Commission.
The Council Leader Coun Matt Dormer, added: “Working closely with the Forestry Commission is an important part of the council’s work keeping Redditch green and we are grateful for their support.”
Visit redditchbc.gov.uk/trees for more information.
