Feel free! Plant a new tree!
So we did! In fact, so far, we have planted 60 new trees!
Magenta Living’s principal aim is to provide quality homes in safe and sustainable neighbourhoods.
Green spaces and trees are an integral part of this, and we recognise that effective management and maintenance of the communal green spaces is crucial to “nurture nature” in our neighbourhoods.
Between November 2022 and January 2023, working with our specialist tree contractor, Idverde, we carried out a survey of over 3,000 trees. We identified work was required on 600 trees. Much of this work is simply cutting back and trimming, but 120 trees were identified as needing to be removed.
We never fell trees unless they pose a health and safety risk to people and property or if they are causing damage or disturbance to pathways and footpaths. If a tree is identified as being diseased, then it needs to be removed. We would never remove healthy trees.
Carmen Muir, Magenta Living’s Assets & Sustainability Director, said:
“Our plan is to replace these 120 trees with new trees in suitable locations and we have recently completed phase one of the project by planting 60 trees across our communal blocks and open spaces. We will look to plant a minimum of 60 trees each year before the next survey at the end of 2025. This will increase our stock as we will plant 180 trees - 60 more than we have had to remove.
“We survey our trees every 3 years, working with our contractor. As part of our climate change and environmental improvement, we have £50,000 of planned tree works over 3 years to take our tree stock to over 3,000 trees. Investing correctly in trees and green spaces is vital - trees are so important in tackling climate change, they absorb pollutants, give us oxygen, they are habitat to birds and insects, create canopy and shade and add a more natural environment to an urban area giving a sense of wellbeing.”
Three trees have recently been planted on Lyons Road in Moreton and one resident was so happy with them, after questioning why they were being removed. Mr Whittingham said:
“After initially being worried about trees being removed, I’m so pleased to see the instant impact these new trees have had, and I am looking forward to seeing them mature and enjoying all the benefits they will bring to our community.”
We are also looking to introduce wildflower meadows that will need fewer cuts each year and will also benefit the local wildlife.
Image caption: Greg and Diane from Magenta Living with Mr Whittingham