Southend Council successfully bid for 215 trees through the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, an initiative that looks to preserve and enhance forestation across the Commonwealth.
The trees will be a mix of colourful and wildlife trees – including Hazel, Rowan and Silver Birch trees among others – and will be planted at locations to the east, centre and west of Southend. Due to a lack of rain in the borough recently, the trees will be planted at a later date, and are currently being stored at the council’s parks nursery, Barling Road.
The pathway locations will be at Shoeburyness war memorial, Southchurch Park east, and Eastwood Park. These pathways are open to further tree planting, and if charities or groups plan on planting trees to extend the pathway, this is something that could be considered.
Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “We are positively delighted that we are able to welcome the addition of over 200, UK native trees to Southend thanks to the wonderful work of the HRH Queen Elizabeth’s initiative – the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
“These trees will provide a stark reminder of the poignant historic importance of Southend during World War One, and we hope they offer a serene location for people to contemplate the sacrifices of all those before us.”
For more information on the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, please visit https://queenscommonwealthcanopy.org/