Another 50 trees are being planted across the borough, as part of Barking and Dagenham Council’s drive to be the green capital of the capital. 

 

The trees will be planted at primary schools, and in nearby streets and green spaces with the aim of improving air quality and biodiversity.

 

Henry Green Primary, Dorothy Barley Infants, and Eastbury Community Primary are just some of the schools benefiting from the scheme, which is funded by a £10,000 donation from our Highways contractor Marlborough Highways, as part of the council’s community give back project.

 

The announcement follows the green-fingered council’s tree planting project, which has seen 36,000 trees planted to create a new woodland called the ‘Forest of Thanks’ to mark the heroic effort of all key workers during the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The leafy borough’s streets are lined with around 6,500 trees, which has seen Barking and Dagenham awarded ‘Tree City of the World’ twice, appearing alongside the likes of San Francisco, Washington DC, and Barcelona.

Our goal is to be the green capital of the capital, and that’s why we’re working with developers and partner organisations to protect and enhance the greenery in Barking and Dagenham, using schemes such as our community give back project.

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Core Services, said: “We’re very fortunate to have so much green space in our borough. Our trees and parks provide a vital lifeline not just for people’s health and wellbeing, but also in absorbing pollution and tackling climate change. 

 

“Our goal is to be the green capital of the capital, and that’s why we’re working with developers and partner organisations to protect and enhance the greenery in Barking and Dagenham, using schemes such as our community give back project.”

 

Matthew Revell, Managing Director of Marlborough Highways said, “We are proud to be partnering with Barking and Dagenham Council to improve air quality and biodiversity by supporting the tree planting taking place at schools, on streets and in green spaces. 

 

“It has been wonderful to be able to support the local community where we work, to create spaces for the children and local people to connect with nature, and biodiversity enhancements. Every tree counts and we hope our contribution will make a real difference.”

 

Barking and Dagenham has a total of 28 parks and green spaces, which provides 463 hectares of publicly open land – more than three times the size of Hyde Park. 

 

Six of the borough’s parks hold a Green Flag Award, which is the nationally recognised standard for excellent green spaces. 

 

For more information visit lbbd.gov.uk/parks-and-recreation.