New trees for major commuter road help make Hulme greener, healthier and happier
PRESS RELEASE
22 January 2009
New trees for major commuter road help make Hulme greener, healthier and happier
Residents and users of a major commuter road in Hulme are to reap the benefits from several new semi-mature trees which are being planted this week.
Ten Turkish Hazel's approximately 10 ft in height will be planted on Greenheys Lane, Hulme. The road is a major commuter and bus route in and out of the city as well as a residential area it has heavy traffic and currently very limited greenery.
The trees, located on the long curving bend just after the brewery, will add a valuable and striking green focal point to the street scene for both residents and users of the street and go a long way to improve the quality of life for the local community.
Paul Critchlow a resident of the area has led the project with help from the Green Streets team at Red Rose Forest a leading environmental initiative and the Community Forest for Greater Manchester. Through the Green Streets programme, Red Rose Forest works with local communities and uses street greening projects to improve the quality of life for urban communities.
Paul Critchlow said: "The new trees will make a real contribution to the local area helping to bring some seasonal colour and greenery as well as shelter our homes from the busy road. I'm really proud of the trees and glad that I could help make them happen."
Kevin Wigley, Red Rose Forest, said: "Trees and greenery are so important to urban areas as locally they can help to improve air quality, combat noise pollution, reduce temperatures on hot summer days, promote biodiversity and increase the sense of local pride. The trees on Greenheys Lane are particularly valuable as they help combat the impact of the heavy traffic and create a more attractive street environment for residents and passers-by using this busy thoroughfare."
This project was made possible thanks to funding from Manchester City Council Cash grant scheme. Cash grants are available to residents and community groups of Manchester. If you would like to make a difference to your community through street greening Red Rose Forest can help you. We offer full support on completing Cash grant applications and can work with you to deliver the practicalities your project. If you would like to green your neighbourhood please contact Kevin Wigley in the Green Streets team on 0161 872 1660 or at
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Sally Mizon in the Press Office on: 0161 872 1660 or email:
Notes to Editors:
1. Red Rose Forest is a leading environmental regeneration initiative in Greater Manchester and is one of 12 Community Forests across England. We are a partnership of Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Metropolitan Boroughs of Bolton, Bury, Trafford and Wigan and the Cities of Manchester and Salford. Over forty years we will help to transform a large part of Greater Manchester into a greener, healthier and more satisfying place to live, work and invest. At the heart of our strategy is the involvement of a wide partnership of local communities, businesses and other partners in the environmental, social and economic regeneration of the area. United Utilities is the principle private sector supporter of the Forest and together we have worked in a close partnership over the last 10 years.
2. Green Streets is a nationally respected ground breaking initiative which uses street greening projects to improve the quality of life for urban communities. From planting street trees, to creating communal green alleyways and living green walls, Green Streets works at the heart of the community with residents, businesses and partner organisations to promote the value of greening as a means of tackling a range of social, health and economic issues. Each community is different so Green Streets produces a sustainable tailor-made greening scheme to meet their specific needs. Green Streets is a joint Red Rose Forest and Community Forests Northwest initiative in partnership with Manchester City Council, Trafford Council, Salford City Council, the Forestry Commission, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and United Utilities.
