By Tim Shortland, Community Forester
The level of tree cover in Burngreave is 13.5% which is significantly lower than many areas of the city.
Trees are often taken for granted but provide a wealth of benefits for people living in the city. Trees have an effect on property values and attract inward investment. They can be seen as a measure of prosperity and are often synonymous with wealthy districts. Air pollution can be reduced by absorption through leaves and a belt of trees can help prevent noise pollution or obscure unsightly industry and major roads.
Trees are not only aesthetically pleasing but are known to promote health and wellbeing whilst providing shade from harmful UV rays. The range of wildlife that each mature tree can support is immense and even a newly planted young tree will immediately start to attract its own unique ecosystem. By renewing the diseased trees and planting new ones, we can continue to experience the wonders of nature on our doorsteps.
Following the long summer, the bright colours of the autumn leaves herald the approaching tree-planting season. Trees are more dormant during the winter so it is the best time to plant or move them. Climate change is now considered to be inevitable and the simple act of planting a tree is a way we can all make a difference to the environment we live in. To celebrate National Tree Week I have planned the following events in Burngreave.
National Tree Week events
Friday 24th November: Street tree planting with residents, local schools, Greenwatch and Green City Action (GCA). This is a continuation of last season’s planting in Page Hall and offers a wonderful opportunity to bring greenery and wildlife into this Victorian terraced estate. The tree species are carefully selected in order to minimise root damage and maximise light to properties whilst offering the benefits of spring blossom, autumn colour and small bright berries.
Saturday 25th: Planting of two ginkgo trees in circular pavement pockets at Verdon Street shops, with BTCV Green Gym and possibly a youth group.
Monday 27th: Planting of three birch trees, with BTCV Green Gym and residents on Verdon Street.
Tuesday 28th: Planting of six mountain ash trees, in conjunction with GCA on Burngreave Bank.
Friday 30th: Woodland creation at Woodside Rec (Stanley Fields on Pitsmoor Road) Planting of over 1,000 small trees to add to existing and recently managed woodland. Native species will be used including; oak, birch, rowan, ash, cherry, hawthorn, hazel and field maple. A local school, Greenwatch and community groups will be involved and volunteers are welcome.
Monday 4th December: Free the Rauli! Plantation Management at Burngreave Recreation Ground with BTCV Green Gym. The Rauli is an unusual Chilean tree. This large, fast-growing southern beech tree has leaves that are deeply veined, turn yellow in autumn and look like a shortened sweet chestnut leaf. This event represents the final stages of the project and involves a large woodchipping machine, BTCV volunteers, Greenwatch and local contractors. Volunteers are welcome as a range of tasks will be available.
More tree planting
Other activities throughout the winter season include: planting of a lime tree avenue at Burngreave Cemetery, woodland creation with GCA at SUFC Academy and also at Parkwood Springs.
For more information or to confirm events – they are subject to favourable weather – I can be contacted on 0114 273 4190 or email tim.shortland@sheffield.gov.uk.