Tree and Woodland Planting Programme

Urban trees and woodland provide a diverse range of environmental and quality of life benefits that are important in tackling the current climate emergency. Trees and woodland increase the biodiversity of the area through the introduction of native and pollinator rich plant species that in turn provide habitat and food for wildlife, provide shade and heat absorption, reduce air pollution and offset carbon emissions.

A key action in ‘Our Chelmsford Our Plan’ and the ‘Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration Action Plan’ is to undertake a greening programme to significantly increase the amount of woodland and proportion of tree cover in Chelmsford. This will be through a sustained 10 year tree planting campaign which aims to plant one tree for every resident and at least three new trees for every new home, helping to achieve the Climate and Ecological Emergency target to make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030.

Planting and aftercare of the trees will be supported and undertaken by volunteer activities such as organisational/company volunteering days (and donations), existing volunteering groups/activities, schools/college volunteering activities, and community tree planting days.

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Trees planted

Meet our Volunteers

planting trees and maintaining the forest is so very important to the future for all of us

It is very important to me to do as many things in life that give me joy and I have been very lucky that I have been able to get joy with my career and working in the parks.  The fact that planting trees and maintaining the forest is so very important to the future for all of us, is just a bonus for me.

I love the fresh air, friends I make, exercise I get and the feeling of satisfaction from seeing the progress we made from trees planted years ago.  Better than any gym.  I believe that if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.  I love every minute. I have found my joy.  I will continue doing so no matter where I live.

Desre, Parks volunteer

I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in the project

I am a Parks  volunteer involved with the Greening Chelmsford Project. Last winter I planted trees at Hylands and Admirals Parks and South Woodham Ferrers. It made me feel good, about my contribution to the much needed improvement to the air quality for our future generations.  There’s many more years of  planting to be done plus the aftercare of the trees which is also very rewarding. I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in the project. 

Eunice, Parks Volunteer

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