Tree-Hugging Hackney
MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington Diane Abbott today praised the work of the Tree4Tree organisation which is helping Hackney to become greener by planting street trees.
The project has been recognised in the recent London Assembly report on street trees in London. The report found that whilst 40,000 street trees have been cut down in the past five years, 48,000 have planted. However, certain areas in London are ending up with less tress than others. Furthermore, many of the new tress being planted across the city are “ornamental” and may not be as beneficial as the traditional larger varieties.
The Tree4Tree project allows residents to pay for trees to be planted in their area, and then matches the money with funding from Hackney Council and charity Groundwork East London. The aim is to bring communities together in transforming their urban environment. Local residents can feel like they are part of their areas, and make real contributions to the local environment.
Supporting the project Diane said:
“Having green spaces and street trees within cities is really important to the well-being of city residents. The environmental benefits of having lots of trees about are well-documented but I think they also help to brighten up the streets and make inner-city areas more pleasant places to live. I am so proud that Hackney is leading the way in the street tree movement.”
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Editor’s notes:
1. For information on the Tree4Tree Project see: www.groundwork.org.uk
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