Our story
At the end of 2020 Herefordshire Council was awarded £750,000 from the government accelerated Towns Fund to deliver a programme of projects across Hereford that would provide economic and environmental benefit.
The Council's County Plan sets a priority to improve our local natural environment, and encouraging the planting of trees is a big part of this. It had previously been identified that the tree canopy of the city was slowly decreasing so to stop the decline the 'Greening the City' project was developed.
500 trees were given away free to residents, schools and businesses through the 'City Trees' scheme to be planted in gardens and other grounds across Hereford.
Over 100 more trees were planted in specially designed planters incorporating new seating areas in the city centre enhancing the environment of High Town, Eign Gate and Broad Street by bringing greenery and nature into the centre of the city.
Three new bus shelters with living sedum roofs were installed in the Whitecross area of the city. These aimed to absorb carbon, cut air pollution and provide a haven for bees and other insects alongside the busy city roads.
Trees and plants are beautiful additions to public spaces and properties. They help to improve air quality and tackle climate change and so will help us meet our target of zero carbon by 2030.
Tree planting is a great way for everybody to help create new spaces for nature and a greener environment for future generations as well as improving the health and well-being of residents of the city.
The Greening the City project has been monitored over the last 5 years and it is hoped the increase in tree canopy will be seen and measured through aerial photography.
Our advice
The scheme was a tremendous success with schools, businesses and hundreds of local residents joining in and doing their bit for the city's wildlife and natural environment. It was great to be able to engage school children in this project and hopefully inspire them to help nature and enhance the environment throughout their lives.
The city centre planters have been very popular and the new seating is well used. They have softened the built environment of the city centre and bring seasonal interest into the city amongst their other many benefits.
The sedum bus shelters were highlighted with vinyl stickers to draw attention to the initiative by encouraging people to 'look up'. They have flowered well and survived through the very dry hot summer months. They were well received with lots of social media support for this more unusual innovative project.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the percentage increase in area of the tree canopy; by inspiring residents, businesses and school children to help nature thrive in the local area; and by improvements to health and wellbeing of residents of the city.
