A row of Himalayan Birches has been planted on Cardinal Square today (Wednesday 3 February 2016) as the start of an initiative to green the estate.
White Rose Residents Association won a competition against ten other bids from around West Yorkshire to secure a £10,000 grant for the trees. The funding called TD Green Streets is a partnership between TD Direct Investing and the Community Forest Trust.
The funding was used to buy and plant 15 mature trees, which were picked for their year round colour. After extensive consultation with local residents trees with an upright habit were chosen to minimise shade and leaf litter.
Yvonne Crowther, from the White Rose Residents Association said:
“It’s a great achievement to see the trees planted today. It will make a real difference to the environment and how people feel. It will brighten people’s lives and bring colour to the estate.
“This is just the start, we are keen to create a Garden of Life wrapping around the estate. It might take a few years to complete but we are already applying for the next part of the project.”
Cllr Adam Ogilvie commented:
“This is a testament to Yvonne and the residents who have pushed for improvements, showing how much they care about their area. They’ve worked closely with the Council Parks department and together created a real legacy for the Cardinals.”
The trees have been planted using a modern root anchoring system instead of poles and ties. The anchors help the tree grow more naturally and create a stronger trunk. As a result of the grant, Leeds City Council have been able to attract further funding to plant an extra 15 trees and create a pocket park in the corner of the estate next to Two Willows Children’s Centre.
Kevin Wigley from Community Forest Trust said:
“The bid from the Cardinals was very strong, showed a lot of community support and is clearly a neighbourhood that needs more trees. A further round of funding will be available later this year and I would encourage any group apply.”
