On Saturday 7th March 2020, Newquay Orchard, in partnership with environmental charity Trees for Cities, held a tree planting day for the town giving the community the opportunity to join a national climate change initiative.
As part of the government’s 2017 commitment to plant 1 million urban trees by 2022, environmental charity Trees for Cities has been awarded a grant through the Forestry Commission to plant 10,000 trees with 10 partner organisations working in 11 towns and cities across England.
60 of these trees now call Newquay Community Orchard home, thanks to the efforts of Newquay locals.
Hetty Ninnis, Horticulture Manager at Newquay Community Orchard, said: “If you want to make a difference to the future of your planet, then planting a tree is the perfect move. In planting a tree you’re making a positive change to your immediate environment, improving the beauty of your landscape, and leaving a legacy, too.”
Over 100 members of the public of all ages joined the Orchard team on Saturday to plant 25 beautiful statuesque trees ranging from plum and elm, to maples and witch hazel. Soul Food Kitchen’s Beth Mitchell also treated visitors to hot food from the Orchard’s Heart & Soul van.
Newquay Orchard also welcomed Newquay Mayor, Rachel Craze, and Tretherras Cornwall Councillor, Kevin Towill, to join in celebration of the Orchard’s part in the Forest for Cornwall initiative. The Forest for Cornwall was conceived by Cornwall Council and is an ambitious tree planting project aiming to develop 8,000 hectares of land across Cornwall.
Luke Berkeley, Managing Director at Newquay Community Orchard, added: “One of the most important aspects of this programme is that partners engage the local communities to provide support and to take an active role in planting the trees.”
“The Orchard would not exist without the efforts and passions of the people of this town and it was particularly humbling to see so many people of all ages taking ownership of planting trees which will, ultimately, have a positive effect on everyone’s futures.”
The newly planted trees will help remove and store carbon to combat climate change. This will increase local biodiversity and improve wellbeing for all volunteers and visitors to the Orchard, as well as playing their part in temperature moderation and flood risk mitigation.
The planting project also launches the beginning of a busy year at Newquay Community Orchard, as the community building, Kol An Gwennen, and the Orchard’s new Market Garden, begin to take shape.
Hetty added: “Community Tree Planting Day was about the people of Newquay joining a national commitment to fight climate change. It was also a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect with and care for the environment and learn about the many health benefits that trees given us.”
David Elliott, Chief Executive of Trees for Cities, said: “This grant is a fantastic step towards delivering a generational movement in urban tree planting and greening for people and nature.”
“Planting trees in urban areas has a huge impact on mental and physical health and that of our environment. This grant will help us and our partners work together with local communities to cultivate lasting change in their neighbourhoods.”
The event was a huge success with Newquay residents of all ages, with some excitable children proclaiming it the “best day of 2020 so far!”
Hetty concluded: “As Newquay’s hub for sustainability and environmental education, we have a duty to be a part of this climate change project and this weekend our community did us proud. Thank you everyone.”