The bid, which was supported by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and the Good Life Initiative, was for 420 copse trees, including hawthorn, rowan, dogwood, hazel, silver birch and wild cherry. They will be planted in small copses on the north end of Willow Bank green, providing year-round colour as well as improving the biodiversity of the area.
Residents in the conservation village, which was founded by Joseph Rowntree, came together to apply for the community pack of saplings from the Jubilee Woods project, which aims to plant six million trees in the UK for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The trees also count towards Treemendous York’s bid to plant 50,000 trees in York.
Local people were involved with surveying the area, planning the planting design and consulting with the community.
‘The group consulted residents back in January, through the New Earswick newsletter, door-to-door, on the street and at a public consultation and the result was fantastic – everyone was in favour of it,’ said Kate Lock, research associate for The Good Life Initiative, which has been working with the community in New Earswick for the past 18 months.
‘We know the area is popular for children to play out on, and also with dog-walkers, so plenty of room is being left for “the fetching of the ball’ – for people and dogs!‘ said Kate.
The community group, which called themselves ‘the Jubilee Leaf Project’, is headed up by New Earswick Parish Councillor Vic Atkins, a former supervisor gardener for the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, who has planted over 100 of New Earswick’s trees during his 50-year career.
The planting takes place this Saturday, 17 November, from 10.00am and is supported by The Conservation Volunteers and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust as well as The Good Life. Volunteers are welcome – equipment will be provided but please bring a spade if you have one. Free refreshments will be available. In the event of heavy rain the event may be postponed; please check the New Earswick Good Life Initiative Facebook site or Twitter (@GoodLifeNE) for updates.
More information: 07792 633984
