Henfield’s Community Canopy project aims to replenish lost tree cover, helping our Parish to stay a healthy beautiful place to live for now and for our future generations.
‘We can’t afford not to plant trees within our urban spaces. Studies have shown that trees within an urban environment can help buffer temperatures, through having a cooling effect of up to 12 degrees celsius in peak temperatures, thereby safeguarding the most vulnerable in our community’. (Sam Buckland, professional ecologist and tree warden)
This reality was clear in the searing heatwave of August – the blessed shade cast by a tree on a stretch of sun-blasted pavement, the relief offered by a walk in Henfield’s woods or taking a rest under the deep canopy of a mature oak.
Early this year, Henfield tree wardens met to discuss planting a new generation of street trees in the village, to replace those lost to death, felling or development, using the West Sussex County Council’s ‘Donate a Tree’ scheme. We are already lucky to enjoy the benefits of many older trees– the limes, oaks, chestnuts and beeches- some planted by our Victorian forebears. These trees clean the air, soak up flooding, slow down winds and can even reduce heat loss from building. On a simple human level, they are good for us, for our neighbourhoods, and for providing food and shelter for the outstanding wildlife we enjoy in the Parish. Across Sussex, large tree planting projects are taking place as we now recognise trees are crucial for our survival on planet earth. The other day, as I took shade on a bench under a tree, a lady also sitting there struck up conversation with me, and it felt a great example of why trees are also good for community.
In June this year we dropped leaflets in certain areas and spoke with neighbours and residents, many contacted us to give their support. We then went to Henfield Parish Council with an application for funds for new 25 new street trees. To our delight, the Parish Council committed £3826 to buy the majority of the new saplings, matching its 2018 statement on climate and biodiversity with real positive action – particular thanks must go to Gill Perry (Chair of Open Spaces Committee) and Malcolm Eastwood (Chairman Henfield Parish Council) for backing this project.
Henfield Community Partnership and Sustainable Henfield 2030 have each sponsored trees, which will also display plaques to show their donation. Businesses and groups in the village may want to consider sponsoring new trees for Henfield’s Community Canopy in for 2023 and future years. Many thanks also go to residents who made generous donations to GoFundMe.
After working with the experienced arborculturalist at WSCC, suitable sizes were chosen such as blossoming Crab Apples, Cherries, Rowans, Juneberries and Maples. These trees will be planted and staked this winter by WSCC on the London Road verge and sites in Broomfield Road, Upper, Lower and Station Road, Staples Barn and Fabians Way.
WSCC do the planting, but the community’s help is needed in watering them in dry seasons, and for their long term care! Anyone who wants to help water please get in touch. For children and teens help like this could also go towards Scout and Brownie volunteer badges! Please email treesfor2022@btinternet.com or text Andrea 07786 390448.
Andrea May