By ANISAH ARIF
Thousands of trees will be planted and replaced at St Ives Estate in Bingley this winter.
Volunteer tree lovers are being asked to take part with Bradford Council and its partners.
The Council’s Trees and Woodlands Section will be working in partnership with the charity Trees for Cities who have secured funding from corporate partner, npower.
Last year there was great sadness for many visitors to St Ives. They had witnessed the felling and removal of the trees making up the area known as Betty’s Wood.
The trees had been cut down in response to the discovery of the plant disease Phytophthora ramorum, which is also known as the ‘plant destroyer’.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “We had no choice but to cut down the trees to prevent the disease from spreading to other woodland areas.
“We know how important Betty’s Wood is to people who visit St Ives and we now have a wonderful opportunity to return this former plantation site to diverse woodland, comprising many locally known tree species.
“As the new woodland develops it will provide a recreational facility for people and a haven for wildlife.
“Betty’s Wood is a place cherished by many local people and visitors alike and we want everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in the tree planting.”
Rory Field, Corporate Partnerships Director at Trees for Cities, said: “We’re excited to work with Bradford Council to restore Betty’s Wood to its former glory, and thanks to funding from npower.
“By bringing people of all ages from the local community together to plant these trees, we’re creating a green space that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Pam Laking, Chair of Friends of St Ives, added: “The Friends of St Ives are now looking forward to the planting of new, young, indigenous trees in Betty’s Wood.
“We were all very sad when we first knew that so many trees would be felled because of disease, thereby changing greatly somewhere that had been a loved part of visitors’ lives for nearly 70 years.
“However, within a relatively short time we can all enjoy a far more diverse and natural area of woodland.”
Anyone wanting to take part in the tree planting, please contact us on email at woodlands@bradford.gov.uk with your name, contact details, and confirming that you are over 16 years of age. Children will be very welcome to help with the planting but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
We expect that community planting days will take place in January and February 2019. Those that have expressed an interest will be contacted with chosen dates and further information.
