Southend-on-Sea City Council staff volunteer to plant 1000 trees in Oakwood Park, Leigh
Staff from Southend-on-Sea City Council volunteered their time last Friday to plant trees, supporting the council’s ambition to increase the city’s tree canopy cover from 13% to 15% by 2050.
Approximately 4,000 tree whips were generously donated by the Woodland Trust following successful applications submitted by council staff and local Tree Warden volunteers. These saplings, a mix of native and ancient woodland species, are being planted across the city throughout the month to help expand Southend’s urban tree canopy.
In just four hours, staff planted 1,000 whips at Oakwood Park, one of the many green spaces managed by the council. Located just off the A127 near the Progress Road industrial estate, the site experiences significant traffic flow, with over 50,000 vehicles passing through the area each day.
Planting trees in this location will contribute to improved local air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants, helping to create healthier environments for residents and visitors.
The session was organised and led by arboricultural officer Edd Gillan, who provided guidance on correct planting techniques to maximise the long-term survival and growth of the saplings, as well as sharing knowledge about the city’s tree heritage.
The council would like to thank all staff and volunteers who participated in the session, as well as the parks team for their support in delivering this initiative.