Help make the borough even greener

The Royal Borough is on a mission to make the area even greener by planting more trees – and organisations and residents are invited do their bit through volunteering or by taking part in a newly-designed sponsorship scheme.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for leisure and culture, said: "The council has a finite budget for tree planting and by encouraging private participation we can spread the money further and plant more trees, improving the local environment."

The tree-planting season runs from November to March, depending on the weather.  Each year the Royal Borough organises the planting of 2,000 trees, helped by the community, contractors and volunteers. 

Last year a number of volunteers planted oak, ash and field maple trees in the new 7 Oaks Wood in Ockwells Park, Maidenhead, linking to existing woodland and enhancing local biodiversity. Tree plantings this autumn are planned for North Town Moor and Braywick Park in Maidenhead and Sutherland Grange in Windsor, and the council is on the lookout for volunteers.  Soup and spades are on offer for enthusiastic tree planters!

The council will also be launching a new tree-sponsorship scheme in late November to coincide with National Tree Week (26 November – 7 December).  By sponsoring a tree, residents' associations, local organisations, companies and individuals can help improve the local environment and provide wildlife habitats while at the same time marking a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding day or anniversary with a living gift.  The scheme aims to introduce tree-planting sponsorship from £10.

If you're interested in volunteering for tree planting, please email your details to bnc@rbwm.gov.uk  or call Senior Countryside Ranger Trevor Smith on 01628 777440.  Full details of the new tree-planting sponsorship scheme will be announced in the press and on the Royal Borough website at the end of November.