In spite of feeling rather gloomy about just how many trees have fallen down in the recent wind and rain, it is also worth remembering just how many trees have been planted across the borough in the last year, not just in parks but in streets as well.

We saw this information on the Woodland Trust Web site and thought it was worth sharing:

· The number of bird species increased by 3 for every additional 20% of tree cover¹

· Asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by a quarter for every² additional 343 trees per square kilometre (one in every garden on an average street)

· Concrete surfaces in tree shade can be up to 20°C cooler than concrete in sun³

· Tree shade can cool people by up to 7°C on hot days³

· Trees have been found to enhance mood, improve self esteem and lower blood pressure⁴

· Trees can reduce surface water runoff by up to 60 per cent compared to asphalt ⁵

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/?gclid=CMaQk53I6bsCFSsKwwodTSgA8Q

 

The message could not be clearer: Plant a tree in your own garden and you will reap the benefits.