Estates look to branch out.
Local residents have made an ‘extree-mely’ big difference to several Gateshead estates.
Dozens of schoolchildren and local groups helped The Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council to plant a mini forest of trees in Birtley, Springwell, Wrekenton and Kibblesworth.
The Friday Play Club, Springwell and St Joseph’s RC Infants, St Anne’s, St Oswald’s RC, Fell Dyke Community Primary Schools and residents from Kibblesworth took part in National Tree Week.
The national campaign was launched in 1975 to replace the loss of more than 20 million trees from Dutch elm disease.
Steven Kelly, Estate Officer at the housing company, attended two of the events in Birtley and Kibblesworth.
He said: “We are committed to keeping the borough as ‘green’ as possible and work with Gateshead Council to support schemes that improve the environment.
“These events are good for the community; and by involving younger residents we can instill environmental awareness for years to come.”
The tree planting was funded by Neighbourhood Pride and Local Community Fund schemes, which are supported by The Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council.
Planting in Kibblesworth came as the £14m regeneration of the village nears its conclusion.
The scheme, supported by the Homes and Communities Agency and Gateshead Council, has seen dozens of new homes built for Keelman Homes, a subsidiary of The Gateshead Housing Company.
For more information about National Tree Week visit www.treecouncil.org.uk
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