3,000 trees and shrubs to be planted in Saffron Walden by Christmas as part of R4U ‘Re-Greening’ programme

R4U-led Saffron Walden Town Council will plant thousands of trees and shrubs in Saffron Walden before the end of the year. The re-greening is part of the town council’s recently announced 4 year plan of works, which includes a new community centre.

Paul Gadd (R4U) Paul Gadd (R4U)

Cllr Paul Gadd, Council Leader at Saffron Walden Town Council, said “We are increasingly concerned about pollution and climate change so we’ve been doing something about it. As part of our town re-greening programme we will plant more than 3,000 new hedging plants and trees before Christmas.”

“We have selected a mixture of mainly native trees and hedgerow shrubs. Whilst trees will take longer to mature, adding shrubs and hedgerows provide more immediate benefits, so that is the majority of what we’ll do first. Not only do they soften the effects of urbanisation, they absorb pollution, create visual and noise screening, and provide habitat corridors for wildlife.”

“Our initial focus will be on Town Council owned land at Catons Lane, Anglo-American Playing fields, and the sports pitches at Crabtrees and Herbert’s Farm. At the same time the Town Council is also conducting a review of all its open spaces for further future tree and hedge planting in the next few years.”

R4U’s Paul Gadd continued “There is a lot to do. Our councillors and council staff will be picking up spades to get involved. We’re also keen for residents and community groups to help. All you need is a spade and a positive mind. If you would like to get involved, please Contact Us.

“We are targeting the 30th November as the day for a community hedge-planting event as it is the Woodland Trust’s national tree-planting day, but that is dependent on the plants arriving on time, so we will confirm the date nearer the time. Please save the date and help us re-green Saffron Walden!”

About Residents for Uttlesford