9 November 2010
Eastbourne Borough Council have planted 178 trees in Parks, open spaces and on the highway throughout the town this year, with a further 90 planned and ordered before the end of this planting season.
Despite loosing trees through Dutch Elm Disease and over maturity, the planting of new trees utilising partnerships, devolved budgets, donations and other funding streams, continues to increase our tree stock in the town, which is vital to our community and is work that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Trees are planted to complement development, provide significant green visual amenity and screening, but they contribute in many other ways.
Trees filter pollutants from the air we breathe and provide shade from the harmful rays of the sun and it has been estimated that appropriately planted trees can increase property values by as much as 18%.
Trees provide valuable environmental habitats, bring the countryside into town and enhance the character of local areas.They also absorb carbon dioxide, one of the principle greenhouse gases and it has been estimated that they can save up to 10% of the energy needed to heat or cool nearby buildings.
Councillor Steve Wallis, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment Says; “We feel that the protection and planting of trees is important for many reasons, be they environmental, offering habitats for wildlife or just to improve the ambience of an area. I would like to thank the Downland Trees and Woodland Team for their hard work in ensuring Eastbourne’s trees remain healthy and the numbers planted remain high.”
