National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration. It is held to kick off the annual winter tree-planting season and its purpose is to encourage the public to plant trees and appreciate the beauty and importance of trees in our environment and life.

National Tree Week 2022 runs from 26 November – 4 December 2022.

Trees have a critical role in the natural ecosystem that cannot be overstated. They help collect carbon dioxide from the air and release it as oxygen, making them important pollutant controllers. More trees provide better air quality and aid surrounding species by providing them with shelter and food, while the soil obtains the nutrients it requires. Their contributions may not be recognized or appreciated as much as they should be since they do it silently.

Throughout the UK, many projects are taking place this week to address the problem of biodiversity loss and promote resilient tree management to help futureproof the natural environment in response to climate change.

The Labour Party recognises the contributions made by residents and voluntary groups who continue to improve tree planting in Brighton and Hove. If you are interested in planting a tree, you can contact the local council or visit, https://plantyourpostcode.org/

Labour’s joint spokesperson for environment, transport and sustainability, Cllr Gary Wilkinson says:

“More trees are desperately needed in our built-up areas, not just concentrated in ‘soft areas’ such as parks.

“They are essential for shading, filtering of emissions, heat reduction, environmental quality, mitigation of flood risk and public health considerations. Trees have an essential part to play in the planning of our city for a more sustainable future.

“Labour will adopt a long-term tree strategy to drive up new planting with street trees, which will give most benefits to local residents, as well as replacing lost trees.

“We are incredibly lucky to have the National Elm Tree collection here in our city and it is essential that we do all we can to protect and develop it. Indeed, the beginnings of National Tree Week date back to 1973 when a campaign was launched to raise awareness about the threat of Dutch elm disease, which was killing a substantial number of trees across the United Kingdom.

“A significant part of new planting in the city should be carried out with as wide a range of disease resistant elms as possible to retain and possibly increase the volumes of elms and to begin to reforest our streets with species that will be able to survive and thrive long term.

“Trees are heroes of nature. They sustain wildlife, create oxygen, purify our air and are absolutely beautiful. National Tree Week is the perfect time to celebrate our trees and remind everyone about all they do.”

—

Image: Tree Council