Archived press release

Date Published: 01/12/06

Aylesbury Vale District Council will be spending around £25,000 on its annual tree planting programme this winter, planting more than 160 trees across the district. The scheme, which has been part-funded by a £1 million grant from the...

Aylesbury Vale District Council will be spending around £25,000 on its annual tree planting programme this winter, planting more than 160 trees across the district.

The scheme, which has been part-funded by a £1 million grant from the Department of Communities & Local Government, will see planting take place in various locations in Aylesbury, Buckingham, Stoke Hammond and Winslow during December.

The council will plant a mixture of trees including field maple, flowering cherry, English oak and beech, as well as a large number of flowering bulbs, such as daffodil and crocus, to provide a variety of colours, textures and contrasts.

Residents were consulted about the winter tree-planting programme during the summer. The feedback was very useful and has resulted in amended schemes at Finmere Crescent, Pike Corner, Fairmile and Ingram Avenue, all in Aylesbury, and Maids Moreton Avenue in Buckingham. Residents expressed a strong preference for native, broadleaf, deciduous species with good autumn colour.

The selected sites for tree planting this winter are:

- Aylesbury: Riverside Park Quarrendon, Alfred Rose Park, Bedgrove, Bourbon Street, Fairmile.

- Buckingham: Edmonds Close, Heartlands, Orchard Dene, Stratford Road, Cheyne Close, Maids  Moreton Avenue, Woodlands Crescent.

- Stoke Hammond: Phoebe’s Orchard.

- Winslow: Pumpus Green, Fairmeadow.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “The planting of trees is always of great benefit to us all. Trees can have a huge impact on where we live, work and play by enhancing and improving our environment. They also provide valuable food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. We hope these new trees will enrich the lives of residents and visitors to Aylesbury Vale for many years to come.”

Comments on future tree planting activities will be reviewed in advance of the development of next year’s programme. The council would like to hear from anyone, especially young people, who may have suggestions for tree planting locations for its 2007/8 programme.

Please forward your suggestions and comments to Ian Hopcraft in AVDC’s Green Spaces team on 01296 585368 or email ihopcraft@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk