More than 100 trees planted in Droylsden park

Droylsden's Copperas Park has been given a green boost of more than 140 trees.

Tameside Council has partnered Greater Manchester charity, City of Trees, to transform local green spaces. 

Six thousand trees have been planted in Tameside over the last municipal year and there are plans to plant a further 5,000 for the following year.

Councillor for Droylsden East, David Mills, said: “We like to work closely with all organisations in order to improve our green spaces and our open spaces. 

“In difficult times, these are good for our mental health, to get out for walks, and it’s also good to have open, green spaces where our children can play.”

City of Trees has pledged to plant a tree for every adult in Greater Manchester. It serves as the region’s part in the Northern Forest project, an ambitious plan to plant 50 million trees from Hull to Liverpool.

Working as a small fixed team of 14 people, the charity relies on the support of volunteers, but due to Covid restrictions, they can’t collaborate in the same way.

Beth Kelsall, delivery co-ordinator at City of Trees, said: “Our work is so important because the climate agenda is high, and people are becoming increasingly aware that there’s a climate issue to combat. 

“Cities are also rapidly developing, so we need to make sure that green spaces aren’t lost.”

When planting trees, biodegradable materials are used, including mulch mats and bamboo pegs.

Last year Copperas Park received 325 saplings from City of Trees, but other plans for the space include benches, fishing platforms, bird boxes and a memoriam to long-term community member, Keith.

Images by Nigel Wood