Cornish Towns Look Forward To Spring with Community-Driven Tree Planting Effort

Residents across five Cornish towns are coming together to enhance their urban landscapes by planting trees in a collective effort to bring nature closer to home. Newquay, Callington, Torpoint, Falmouth, and Saltash have seen the introduction of green spaces through a collaborative project involving Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall team, Cormac, and local volunteers. This endeavour aims to combat the impacts of climate change, improve residents’ well-being, and increase biodiversity within urban areas.

The project was set in motion following a consultation by the council last autumn, which sought the community’s perspective on urban tree planting. An overwhelming majority, over 85%, voiced their support for the initiative, highlighting a widespread recognition of the benefits that increased tree cover brings to urban environments.

Funded by the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund, the effort is part of a broader goal under the Forest for Cornwall to expand canopy cover throughout Cornish towns and villages. A total of 470 trees are slated for planting across the selected towns over the next two years, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the region.

Already, several locations have witnessed the fruits of this labour, with trees planted in:

• Salt Mill Park, Saltash – 57 trees
• Sennen Close Park, Cambridge Field and other locations, Torpoint – 46 trees
• Grenville Crescent, Godolphin Road, Grenville Road, Falmouth – 23 trees
• Glamis, Chester and Hilgrove Roads, Newquay – 57 trees
• Southern Road, Callington – 77 trees

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, emphasised the importance of urban trees in addressing climate change and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Despite some urban areas in Cornwall appearing green, many fall short of the Forestry Commission’s recommended 20% tree canopy cover. The chosen planting locations were identified as areas with notably low urban tree coverage, where the introduction of trees would yield the most significant benefits.

The initiative has not only brought about a tangible increase in urban greenery but has also fostered a sense of community. Residents have actively participated in the planting process, with many volunteering to become Tree Guardians, a role critical to ensuring the survival and thriving of the young saplings during their formative years.

The Forest for Cornwall continues to champion tree planting across the region, driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. By adhering to the Forestry Commission’s ‘right tree, right place’ principle, the project ensures that each tree planted contributes optimally to its new urban setting, marking a significant step towards a greener, more resilient Cornwall.