Improving the Air

Stories: Leonie Kapadia, Community Forester

Burngreave Community Forestry and Fir Vale School are designing a plan to plant six trees on Rushby Street near the roundabout sponsored by building firm Wates. The community forester is consulting with residents and community groups to assess opinions on the proposal.

Air quality measurements in Fir Vale regularly exceed the national average and sometimes reach double the minimum level set to protect public health. Tree cover in Burngreave is low compared to other areas of the city so it is especially important that we plant new oxygen-producing trees. At present there are only three trees on the Rushby Street, with a relatively short (30-40 years) lifespan.

A large tree species, the London plane (platanus hispanica), has been chosen for its capacity to filter airborne dust and pollution and its long lifespan (up to 200 years). As a large-growing tree, they convert more carbon dioxide into oxygen, improving the air we breathe. The London plane is tolerant of pollution, difficult soil conditions and also of pruning. It has large and prominent leaves, a dappled bark, as well as an attractive winter crown and pendant fruit.

The proposed site of the tree-planting will maintain lines of sight so no issues of visibility should arise, allowing for the continued safe use of the grassed area.

If these six trees do well and residents agree, we would like to proceed with further plantings next season. Pupils from Fir Vale School will be fully involved in both the planting and the monitoring. The trees will make the area healthier and more attractive, as well as absorbing noise and encouraging birds and wildlife. The people involved can be sure they will leave a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

We hope to plant the trees on 19th March 2009 so if you have any thoughts, comments or queries on this project, please contact me by the end of February 2009 on 07976 988 627 or Leonie.Kapadia@Sheffield.gov.uk.