27 November 2007
Kilburn kids give Queen’s Park trees sustainable support
To celebrate the start of National Tree Week, Year Four children
from Salusbury Road School, Kilburn and the City of London got
together to plant more than 100 trees in Queen’s Park.
More than 15 species of tree, including redwoods, sugar maples,
black poplar and monkey puzzle trees were introduced, making one of
Brent’s brightest open spaces even better for wildlife and people.
The children assisted with the planting of around 50 native
hawthorn saplings. These shrubs are a favourite with nesting birds
and their berries are loved by blackbirds and thrushes in the
Autumn.
Every detail of the planting has been considered to make it as
‘green’ as possible - even the tree ties that will be support the
growing saplings are biodegradable. They are made entirely of
natural plant material, stay stable and do their job for two years
and then break down and degrade naturally. This is the first time
that this type of tie has been used in the UK. Other tree ties used
are made of hessian, offering another natural and biodegradable
option.
Bob Hall, Chairman of Queen’s Park Management Committee said:
“The City of London is constantly looking at ways of managing our
Open Spaces in as sustainable a manner as possible. It’s not just
about the obvious things, like recycling, but also looking for
greener solutions to all of our working practices.”
Teacher Robert Hulme said: “Most of our pupils live close to
Queen’s Park and many use it regularly for playing, walking and
visiting the pets’ corner. It’s great that they get the chance to
learn how it is looked after and even better that they can get
actively involved in its management. They can’t wait to come back
to see their trees growing!”
The children also assisted in planting 5,000 English Bluebells
throughout the Queen’s Park Woodland Walk area.
Ends
Notes for editors
The tree planting event at Queen’s Park took place on Thursday
22 November.
National tree week runs from 22 November to 3 December 2007, It
is organised by the Tree Council to celebrate the start of the
annual tree planting season.
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain. It is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the
Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,000
acres of open space including Queen’s Park, Hampstead Heath and
Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets as well as acting as
the London Port Health Authority.
Press contact
Lesley Mair, City of London
T: 020 7332 1754; E:
lesley.mair@cityoflondon.gov.uk