Council tree-planting project flourishes with further community events

Over thirty volunteers, including residents, Councillors, and council officers, have planted more than thirty additional trees at two separate community tree planting events in Ramsgate.

The first event, on Wednesday 23 November, created an avenue of 25 trees in Warre Recreation Grounds, before 18 trees were planted in Nethercourt Park on Wednesday 30 November. The Mayor of Ramsgate attended and planted a tree in both parks. 

This  takes the total number of trees planted in Ramsgate since March to 1085. After school, children from four Ramsgate schools planted 1,000 saplings across the town in other council tree planting days in October. 

In partnership with the charity Trees for Cities, the council submitted a successful application for funding to the Green Recovery Challenge Fund and Urban Tree Challenge Fund earlier this year. Ramsgate was chosen as it fitted the specified criteria for the funding. 

The parks were chosen as they are in need of improved biodiversity and canopy cover. The species of trees were chosen to benefit local wildlife and as they are resilient to potential diseases. 

Councillor George Kup, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Youth Engagement, said: “It is brilliant to see the council working with residents and Ramsgate Town Council to promote ongoing improvements to Thanet’s open spaces, and planting so many trees. After personally attending the tree planting events, I have seen the instant positive impact, not only to the area but also to park users and volunteers.”

Councillor Raushan Ara, Mayor of Ramsgate, said: “I would like to thank Thanet District Council for inviting me and members of the community to take part in various tree planting events, and for their fantastic work to include the local community and school children. The Tree and Biodiversity Action initiative is extremely important: every tree planted will bring incredible benefits for the Ramsgate community, local wildlife, and our climate. I am particularly pleased that children and residents from Ramsgate have been given the opportunity to play their part in this project and are helping to make their local environment a nicer place to live.