Tree planting marks the first step in joint environment partnership with North Herts District Council

The Heritage Foundation has teamed up with North Hertfordshire District Council to plant 22 trees in Temple Gardens, Letchworth, in what is their first joint environment project.

The newly planted Maple, Hawthorn, Rowan and Lime trees are part of a shared goal to provide native trees in response to climate change and to enhance the space for residents.

Chair of the Foundation’s Board, Pam Burn, said: “The Foundation is keen to work more closely with the District Council, and I believe there is a lot more that we can do together. I hope that this is the first of many joint ventures, some of which will be bigger, some smaller, but all to benefit the town. The Foundation has exciting plans for similar projects in 2020, which will add to the unique character of Letchworth Garden City and provide a better environment for everyone who lives here.

Cllr Steve Jarvis, NHDC’s Executive Member for Environment said: “We are pleased to be working closely with the Heritage Foundation to help make this happen. Not only will the trees planted enhance the visual appeal of the Temple Gardens Recreation Ground, but they will also contribute towards dealing with the climate emergency by reducing North Herts' carbon emissions.”  

The recreation ground on which the trees were planted serves homes on Glebe Road, Green Lane, Pyms Close and Pascal Way, and is owned and maintained by the Council. The design and planting of the trees were funded by the Heritage Foundation, working closely with the Council. The design was undertaken by The Environment Partnership, and Arborcare undertook the work.

This is the first of a series of initiatives planned by the Heritage Foundation to enhance the local environment in 2020, which will include a new orchard, new woodland and a wildflower programme.