First trees planted in Walsall green space project
Trees were planted at a Black Country beauty spot as part of a project aimed aimed at promoting awareness of green spaces.
The event was carried out at Walsall Arboretum as part of a project called Rethinking Parks, which aims to encourage businesses to invest in parks.
At the arboretum on Friday, a new avenue of 12 trees, mostly silver birch, were planted by staff from insurance company Wesleyan, said to Walsall Mayor Councillor Paul Bott.
The volunteers dug holes and planted the silver birches.
They were joined by the mayor and councillor Stephen Craddock, who is cabinet member for health and well-being.
Organisers say businesses can get involved in the project either by making financial donations or providing manpower to maintain parks.
Councillor Bott said: "The event was successful and carried out with proper social-distancing.
Pleased
"We are pleased Wesleyan Insurance's volunteer group came and planted trees and dug holes.
"We ought to be planted tree all over the borough. There should be a policy at Walsall Council for a number of trees to be planted each year.
"This project is saying to businesses, I know it is hard times with coronavirus, but it is saying come and support our parks and support green spaces in Walsall.
"The council is under tremendous pressure financially so the more trees purchased [through sponsorships] the better.
"Our parks have proved a great asset for us during covid where people have been isolated.
"It has given us the opportunity to get out in our parks and enjoy them."
Any businesses interested in the project are asked to email healthyspaces@walsall.gov.uk.
