More than 65,000 trees planted in Redbridge over past decade

The trees have been planted as part of a special programme by the Council

More than 65,000 trees have been planted in Redbridge over the past decade to make the borough greener and cleaner.

A variety of trees including oak, maple, and birch species were planted by Redbridge Council as part of a planting programme between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2024.

These new trees have played a crucial role in the borough’s battle against climate change. A mature tree can absorb up to 22kg of carbon dioxide annually, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and paving the way for a healthier environment.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “We are fully committed to making Redbridge a cleaner and greener borough. That’s why we have embarked on this ambitious tree-planting programme over the past ten years.

“Trees help make our borough more resilient against climate change and enhance air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Their environmental benefits contribute to our health and well-being.

“We remain fully committed to continuing our tree-planting efforts, and we recognise that the support and involvement of our neighbours and community stakeholders are crucial to the success of this important initiative.

Recent media coverage revealed that nearly 455,000 trees have been felled by UK councils nationwide, including Redbridge. Almost 60 percent of the trees removed in Redbridge were those on the public highway, posing a risk to the health and safety of local people and their property.

Many of these trees were planted with fruit species between 1920 and 1950 and were either over-mature or diseased. They were removed because they were dead or dangerous. In addition, Redbridge has replanted more than half of the original stock since 1994, ensuring that the borough remains green and vibrant.

Many councils do not submit data on saplings removed, as they do not consider these to be tree-felling operations. In contrast, Redbridge Council does record the removal of tiny saplings as tree-felling, meaning its numbers may seem higher than those of other local authorities. This approach ensures that all tree removals, regardless of size, are accounted for, providing a more accurate picture of the Council’s tree management efforts.

A special tree planting event is taking place on Saturday, 16 November on Forest Road Playing Fields.