Community funds new tree planted outside school

Residents and businesses raised £700 for the trees in just 93 days through Hanover Action's (HA) JustGiving page.

The elm tree, which replaces the old elm stump outside Elm Grove School, was planted by Elm Grove headteacher Louise Willard, councillor David Gibson and HA chairman Paul Norman, with help from the school’s eco councillors.

Kristoffer Hewitt, local resident, ecologist and member of HA, said: “It’s been an amazing project to be involved with.

"Street trees are an essential home for urban wildlife, they also help combat pollution, prevent flooding, provide shade and produce oxygen.

"We have lost so many in recent years and they are no longer being replaced. I know of at least ten dead old trees that haven’t been replaced in the Hanover area alone.

"The interest from local residents has been overwhelming, there is definitely an appetite to keep trees on our streets and we will be continuing to raise money so we can get more street trees planted next year.”

Louise Willard, Elm Grove School headteacher, said: “We would like to thank Hanover Action and everyone who helped with the crowdfunding campaign. The children are really excited to see an elm back outside our school. The elms of Elm Grove are part of the street’s heritage and it feels important to maintain them for future generations.”

The campaign raised enough money for two more trees to be replaced in Hartington Road and Ewart Street.

For more information on how to help Hanover Action replace more trees, visit: www.hasl.org.uk