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Tree planting must be sustainable, says Land Trust
06/12/10
Edited by Tom Bardsley.Government plans for a £4.2 million scheme to plant one million trees in urban areas over the next four years have been welcomed by the Land Trust.
Euan Hall, the organisation's chief executive, said creating green spaces brings obvious environmental benefits - but it can also bring an economic upside by attracting inward investment and new residents.
Announcing the Big Tree Plant last week, Jim Paice of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs claimed the scheme will harness the enthusiasm of communities and the expertise of groups like the Woodland Trust and Trees for Cities to "help create neighbourhoods we can be proud of".
However, Mr. Hall warned that the success of the programme will depend on managing these areas in the long term to prevent them from falling into disrepair and attracting anti-social behaviour.
He called for some of the £4.2 million funding to be held back to cover the cost of upkeep and maintenance.
"This would provide a scheme that is fully sustainable and provide a lasting legacy for future generations," the expert argued.
