A community project at Newquay will be benefiting from a share of the £10million Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund
Newquay Community Orchard will gain 750 trees from the fund, which is targeted at community and volunteer groups, councils and individuals increase tree numbers in urban areas through small-scale planting projects.
The new trees will provide benefits to health and wellbeing, connect people with the outdoors, improve biodiversity and play a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
The announcement means there will be a total of up to 134,000 new trees planted across England’s towns and cities. This surpasses the fund’s original target to plant 130,000 trees.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am delighted to see the excellent community project Newquay Community Orchard gain funding to plant 750 trees from the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund.”
“They have already done amazing work in transforming their area into a multifunctional community space for people and for nature and this funding for these trees will enable to go further in this mission.”
“I look forward to seeing the orchard continue to grow and prosper for Newquay and the surrounding area with the help of this government funding.”
Sir William Worsley, chair of the Forestry Commission, said:
“Community tree planting is a passion of mine, which is why I am so excited to see projects like these benefitting from our Urban Tree Challenge Fund.”
“Trees give life to our streets and our parks, help improve the health of communities and provide homes for precious wildlife, and the thousands of new trees that will be planted will bring many benefits for generations to come.”
Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith said:
“Trees play a crucial role in the fight against the climate and biodiversity loss.”
“In urban areas they can link up our valuable green spaces and connect local communities with nature – something which has never been so important.”
“Ahead of our forthcoming England Tree Strategy, and to complement our manifesto ambition to have every new street lined with trees, the success of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund provides a fantastic example of how trees can be planted, managed and enjoyed, wherever you live.”