Trees planted to boost green agenda in Wolverhampton
Fruit trees have been planted at three Wolverhampton schools in a bid to provide healthy food to children and help meet climate targets in the city.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi helped plant the trees at Bilston CE Primary, Windsor Nursery School, SS Mary and John’s Catholic Primary Academy as well as at the ASAN Workspace Community Hub.
She said she wanted to support the three schools and community centre in her ward become more sustainable and enlisted the support of house builder Lovells, who donated the 12 apple and pear trees for the project.
In 2019, Wolverhampton Council declared a climate emergency and set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2028.
Among the steps the authority has pledged to take to achieve this is purchasing renewable energy, using smart meters, reduce printing and develop a tree planting programme across Wolverhampton.
Councillor Momenabadi, who is the city’s youngest member representing Ettingshall, said the trees will not only provide healthy snacks but provide environmental benefits.
These include absorbing carbon dioxide the slow climate change, provide food and habitat for wildlife and slow the run off of rain water into drains to reduce flooding.
She added they will also help make the city more attractive and encourage people to go out into their communities, helping to boost mental and physical health.
Councillor Momenabadi said: “One of our council’s key priorities is to make Wolverhampton a vibrant, green city that we can all be proud of.
“That’s why I’ve supported schools in Ettingshall with these fruit trees. The idea is that when they bear fruit, the schools can offer free healthy snacks to children.”
“But, there are many other benefits of planting trees, they help cool urban areas in hot weather, reducing excessive heat. They also help disperse and reduce air pollution.”
