First of 500 trees to green Great Yarmouth planted

In total it will see the planting of 500 semi-mature trees across the town, including joining up with wider landscaping works for the redevelopment of the town centre that will see increased planting and greenery.

The scheme will also provide for the maintenance and care of the trees for three years as they establish themselves, and bring a range of volunteering and training opportunities as part of the Community Renewal Fund project.

Great Yarmouth Mayor Adrian Thompson planted the first of the new trees at St John's Church in York Road. The remaining 83 trees in the first stage of the project have now been planted, including further trees at the church as well as at Deneside, St George's Park, Trafalgar Road, Mariners Road, Blackfriars Road and Camden Road.

The majority of the trees earmarked for Great Yarmouth will be planted next winter, to ensure they have the best chance of growing and thriving.

Cllr Thompson said: "It is fantastic to see these new trees going in to green our great town, and help provide a more enjoyable environment for residents.

"Trees not only look beautiful but are also really important for keeping our environment healthy and this project will really make a difference to the town."

An education programme is running alongside the tree planting, with more than 350 residents registering for free tree identification guides provided by the Field Studies Council.

To accompany the guides, there will also be three in-person sessions over the coming months giving practical tips on identifying and looking after trees.

Nationally, the Trees for Cities' Forgotten Places: Greening Coastal Towns and Cities programme has received over £1.2m from the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund to increase and improve tree cover in coastal towns and cities with lower than average tree canopy cover and high levels of socio-economic deprivation, and enhance skills and knowledge about urban trees. 

Over 55,000 trees will be planted across 83 locations in seven coastal towns and cities and will be delivered through urban community tree planting events designed to revitalise 'forgotten' coastal urban areas.

Trees for Cities is working with the Field Studies Council, Treeconomics, Forest Research, The Queen's Green Canopy and local partners to deliver this project.