Community arboretum planting underway in Marske
Tuesday 9 April 2024
Residents have begun planting fruit and native trees to create a new community arboretum in Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Cleveland.
Residents of Thrushwood Crescent, eager to kickstart a project that would transform an area of land located beside their homes into a burgeoning arboretum, reached out to us at Beyond Housing.
The resident-led project has taken place thanks to a £1,800 grant obtained by Beyond Housing from the White Rose Forest via their Trees for Climate programme, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund. The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, a partnership which helps communities to plant and fund trees and hedgerows across the region and improve the natural environment.
Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) added additional support to the ambitious scheme by coordinating the project partnerships and successfully leading the funding application.
In addition to tree planting, the grant has also funded the installation of birdsmouth fencing around the green space. The wooden barrier will protect the newly revitalised area from being compromised by foot traffic or vehicles, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
The funding also enabled a collaborative effort in securing Groundwork NE & Cumbria to take part in the volunteer day, where residents and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help plant the trees.
Rachael Crooks, Community Partnership and Engagement Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “We are delighted to support the incredible initiative and see the enthusiasm shown by our customers living at Thrushwood Crescent to kickstart this project.
“The generous support from the White Rose Forest has been fundamental in seeing our community green space transformed into a thriving, sustainable area for everyone to enjoy.”
Susan Lorrimer, Thrushwood Crescent resident, said: “Residents of Thrushwood Crescent are so pleased to have our area transformed by the planting of Silver Birch, Rowan, Apple and Pear trees. It was a fantastic collaboration between TVCA, Beyond Housing and Groundwork. Residents were happy to be involved in the planting, as we felt we were part of the project. It rained for the whole planting period, but everyone’s spirits were up. Groundwork provided some brilliant knowledge about the trees and their upkeep for the future. Thank you from us all.”
