Published: Wednesday 01st December 2021 | 3.33pm
The community of Norton Canes are being invited to come along and plant a tree as part of the improvement works to the Cema - Chapel Street Park in Norton Canes.
The Council in collaboration with the Forest of Mercia are creating a small woodland area and planting additional trees and shrubs around the site. A total of 488 native trees and shrubs will be planted thanks to a donation of £12,000 from the Forest of Mercia.
The final landscaping works will take place on Wednesday 8 December between 11am and 1pm at the Cema.
The Government has a target to increase tree planting across the UK with 30,000 hectares to be planted by the end of this parliament. The planting of these trees will help to fight against climate change by absorbing pollution and improving air quality, reducing flooding and supporting urban wildlife.
Councillor Justin Johnson, Portfolio Leader for Environment & Climate Change said “We would love to see as many local residents, schools and groups get involved in the final stages of the developments to the Cema and plant a tree.
“This planting will help to improve the green space available for local residents to use as well as promoting outdoor learning through forest school type activities. I would encourage residents to attend this community tree planting day and get involved in the final stages of this project”.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Portfolio Leader for Housing, Heritage & Leisure said, “I am pleased to see the works to the new play area and park nearing completion and would like to thank all those that have helped to develop the vision for this green space.
“The new play area is a great addition to Norton Canes and will provide endless fun for youngsters living in the local area”.
Councillor John Preece, Chairman of Norton Canes Parish Council, said: "The Cema upgrade is the first stage of what I hope will be a series of improvements to our parks and open spaces in Norton Canes. This tree planting event is a welcome opportunity for residents to come out and make a positive contribution to our environment, it promises to be a great afternoon out. On behalf of our community, can I thank the Forest of Mercia for their wonderful donation."
David Knowles from the Forest of Mercia said “It is great to be given an opportunity to help with the funding of the Cema project in Norton Canes, to deliver tree planting with the local community for the trees for Climate project. The native trees being planted will fix carbon for climate change and benefit the wildlife in the area.”
The Cema will open in time for Christmas 2021, with an official opening planned for February 2022, ready for when the new entrance feature artworks have been installed.
For further information about the community tree planting day, please call the Parish Council on 01543 276812 or email nortoncanesparishcouncil@live.co.uk.