BI3Plant 4,000 trees in Stevenage by 2030

Trees are great additions to the places we live, work, play and visit. They provide multiple benefits including:

1) Helping to combat climate change: through photosynthesis trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. A single tree can absorb as much as 22kg of carbon each year, potentially keeping it locked up in their wood and roots for decades or even centuries to come. On average, one tree produces almost 118kg of oxygen every year.(Earthwatch)

2) Providing homes and food for wildlife: oak trees can support up to 2,300 species with over 300 of these entirely dependent on oaks for their survival. Many birds and several small mammals, such as dormice and bats, use trees for nesting and shelter. Bees will benefit from the nectar and pollen of flowering trees. Lots of invertebrate species including spiders, snails, beetles and butterflies, rely on woodland habitats.

3)Help to improve mental and physical wellbeing: while improving air quality, there is also evidence to show that a walk in a wood, or among trees, enhances our mood, reduces stress and improves our mental wellbeing. Trees have also been shown to boost our immune system.

4) Trees improve our local area: trees help improve soils, prevent flooding and soil erosion. They also provide a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight and providing shade.

SBC will continue to work with local communities to plant the right trees in the right locations and develop larger woodland areas, extending existing woodlands where possible.