The new trees on Moorland Road in Bath have been welcomed by the Mayor of Bath Councillor June Player, with the project being deemed a fitting end to her term in office.
Welcoming the new trees on Moorland Road
Councillor Player played an instrumental role in the project, which has seen 12 trees planted along the road.
The Mayor approached Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Parks Department last May and has since been working with them on the green scheme.
She said: “Not only will the trees make the area more attractive, inviting and soften it, but they will also improve people’s quality of life in so many ways, both health-wise and visually, improving the air quality and offering shade during the increasingly hot summers.”
The Mayor’s term in office concludes on Saturday 28th May, with ‘Keeping it Clean, Green and Friendly – Promoting Pride in Our Community’ having been the Mayoral theme for the last year.
The Mayor said she looked forward to seeing and hearing the birds, bees and butterflies that will now be attracted to the area.
The new trees are some of the 200 planted by B&NES Council on highways sites across the district since the autumn, which have been funded by the DEFRA backed ‘Trees for Climate’ Grant via the Forest of Avon Trust.
The Moorland Road trees have been welcomed by local businesses. Steve of Age of Steam said: ‘It makes a huge difference and puts a smile on my face coming in to work every day.”
Simon of Francis DIY added: “We love the trees – they add great vibrancy to the street”, with Andrew, owner of the Discount Store also commenting on their benefit for the environment.
Sally Crudge, Tree and Woodland Delivery Manager, B&NES Council said: “The species of trees planted on Moorland Road, varieties of Rowan and flowering cherry, are well suited to urban environments as they are characterised by narrow, upright growth.
“When applying the ‘right tree, right place’ principle, trees are incredibly valuable for the environment and society.
“Urban tree planting is thought to improve mental wellbeing, with research shown to correlate time spent in green spaces with lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.”
