The Woodland Trust, the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, is working with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation to create a new wooded area near the A1(M).
This new woodland is part of the Foundation’s environmental strategy to create habitat for wildlife and making the best use of a landlocked area to boost biodiversity and the environment. The new plot is situated at the corner of the A1(M) opposite Letchworth Gate. Planting took place in recent weeks by local environment contractor, Maydencroft.
Executive Director of Stewardship and Development, David Ames said: “We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with the Woodland Trust to create a new woodland on this disused land. Almost 2,000 trees are being planted and 475 shrubs on 1.5 hectares, funded jointly by the Foundation and Woodland Trust.
“This is one of several sustainability projects we had hoped to undertake this year. Although plans have changed, further work will be rescheduled for when it is safe to work with volunteers from the local community and funding becomes available.
“We are grateful for Maydencroft’s help in planning and delivering this important scheme. Next year we are hoping to plant more trees and introduce additional wildflower meadows to support the environmental sustainability of the Garden City.”
Stuart Holm, Outreach Manager for the Woodland trust said: "We need trees like never before. Government has committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 which will require the expansion of the UK’s tree canopy cover from 13 per cent to 17 per cent. To reach that target there needs to be a huge upturn in the amount of trees going in the ground which is why initiatives like this are so important. We’re delighted to be able to help Letchworth create vital new woodland for wildlife and for people.”
