BRANCHING OUT IN EREWASH

Volunteer tree wardens have mapped the tree canopy cover in Erewash as part of a national project. Erewash Borough Council volunteers David Pinney and Pat Ancliff mapped the tree cover across the whole of the borough, to build on previous research but this time detailing the canopy cover on a ward-by-ward basis. Early results of mapping the Long Eaton area show that the Nottingham Road ward has a fairly large tree canopy cover at 20%. This is not surprising as this area includes Toton Sidings, Attenborough pastures, Attenborough gravel tips, Trent Meadows Local Nature Reserve, the River Trent and numerous water bodies with associated vegetation.
Long Eaton Central has a much lower 9.8% cover, but this area comprises mainly of residential, commercial and industrial land, with Forbes Hole LNR and trees around the ponds at South Junction providing important greenery to this ward. Behind the national scheme are Trees for Cities, Brillianto and Forest Research, with the project seen as a citizen science project to map out the canopy cover of Britain’s towns and cities. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our volunteer tree wardens David and Pat and the important work they have carried out so enthusiastically and swiftly. This mapping has taken place in every single ward across Erewash and the results will be invaluable in helping us as a council shape future tree planting.”

Urban trees are increasingly recognised for the many benefits they provide, such as removing carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air, providing habitats for wildlife and making our urban areas more attractive, enjoyable and healthy places to be. The full results will be reviewed and residents will be able to view the maps of canopy coverage and find out more about the nationwide project at www.forestresearch.gov.uk More information about tree wardens and how to get involved can be found at www.erewash.gov.uk