More Trees Please!
Trees play an important role in the fight against climate change as well as providing homes to hundreds of insects and birds and improving air quality. These are just some of the reasons why we are calling on Birmingham City Council to double tree cover by 2045. This is part of a wider Friends of the Earth campaign in which we are calling on the central government to double tree cover by 2045.
Birmingham currently has around 18% tree cover but this is disproportionately spread across the city with some areas having as low as 8% cover. So far Birmingham City Council has committed to increasing tree cover to 25% by 2031. This is great news! But they need to go further if we are to reach our essential target of doubling tree cover.
As well as campaigning for more trees, we are calling on the council to not remove existing healthy trees. Our campaign has had a particular focus on the proposed Sprint Route along the A45, where approximately 700 trees could be lost with a further estimated over 1,000 trees being lost from the scrub land. Some trees will be planted in replacement but it will take a long time for them to have the same benefits as established trees.
After meeting five core principles which demonstrate commitment to caring for the city’s trees, Birmingham has been given Tree City status as part of the Tree Cities of the World programme. What does this mean for Birmingham? Well we aren’t too sure but we will be keeping up to date with developments!
Here are some reasons why we need more trees:
- They keep our air clean by filtering harmful pollutants through their leaves and bark. Plane trees in particular are good at tackling air pollution.
- Studies have shown that trees may help improve mental health and reduce stress levels.
- Trees can play a key role in the fight against climate change because trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen so we can breathe.
So please can we have some more trees?
