Cabinet approves plans for six areas of mini-woodland across Thanet

Plans to create six areas of mini-woodland across the district have been approved following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 25 April.

The council has identified areas of its land that could be used for the project, subject to external funding being secured. The report identifies four hectares of potential planting space across the following six locations: 

• Dane Valley Road, Margate (1.2 hectares)
• Garlinge Recreation Ground, Margate (0.5 hectares)
• Memorial Recreation Ground, Broadstairs (0.4 hectares)
• Northdown Park, Margate (0.8 hectares)
• St Peter’s Recreation Ground, Broadstairs (0.6 hectares)
• Tivoli Park, Margate (0.5 hectares)

In line with Thanet District Council’s ambition to reach net zero in its core carbon footprint by 2030, any emissions still being produced by this time will need to be absorbed by carbon sequestration projects, such as tree planting. In total, these areas of woodland could absorb approximately 1,140 tonnes of carbon emissions over 30 years.

Now that the locations for the Mini-Woodland Tree Planting Scheme have been approved by Councillors, funding applications can be made to support the delivery of the project. 

Mike Humber, Director for Environment at Thanet District Council, said: “Every tree planted in Thanet brings wide ranging benefits to our community. Four hectares of new woodland would increase local biodiversity, help to mitigate some of the effects of climate change and support our ambition of reaching net zero by 2030.”

“We are working hard on initiatives to cut emissions, such as investing in electric vehicles within our fleet and removing gas boilers from council-owned properties. As part of this project, we are also looking at how any remaining emissions can be absorbed.”

“Mini-woodlands are just one of the initiatives we are pursuing to protect our environment and keep Thanet a green and vibrant place to live.”

Between February 2022 and March 2023, Thanet District Council planted 1,100 trees in Ramsgate, in partnership with Trees for Cities, and supported by funding from the Green Recovery Challenge Fun and Urban Tree Challenge Fund. 

Four Ramsgate parks were chosen as they fitted the specific criteria for the funding, being in need of improved biodiversity and canopy cover. They were Jackey Bakers, Nethercourt Park, Newington Green and Warre Recreation Ground. Find out more about the Ramsgate Tree Planting Project on the council’s website. 

The full report is available on the council’s website.