Why are we planting trees here?

Trees for Cities aim to plant trees to provide shade, introduce new species, improve biodiversity and increase climate resilience.  We have prepared plans which you can view in the section below. 

Trees for Cities will be planting up to 25 standard trees. Some of these will be arranged along one of the paths to provide shade around the football pitches. Some trees have been chosen for their beautiful Spring blossom such as the the Bird cherry and Foxglove tree. There are native species to encourage and support local wildlife and increase biodiversity such as the Field maple and Wild service tree. 

Urban trees are known to have a cooling effect of the air around them. Trees such as the Black walnut, Norway maple and Hornbeam grow to have a wide and dense branching structure which will provide much needed shade and cooling for warmer and sunnier months. 

Together the species chosen provide an important mix to increase biodiversity and a range of shapes and sizes as they mature to give interest within the recreation ground. 

On the western side of Sipson Rec there is already a mature hedgerow. Trees For Cities is proposing to extend this hedgerow and increase the number of tree species. This will involve planting approximately 2500 whips - these are small trees only 30-50cm tall.  In time they will provide a rich habitat. 

On the south side of the Rec there will be more whip planting and a small copse of Quaking aspen, a beautiful tree with shimmering foliage, to complement the existing habitat. 

We hope these trees will be a welcome improvement to the park and provide lasting benefits to the environment and the local community. We hope you can join us in shaping the design and planting the trees in early winter.

Have Your Say

We are now running a community consultation to seek your feedback before plans are finalised. We would like to identify local residents' priorities and preferences around the species selection of the plants, wildlife habitat creation, and other greening features planned for the Rec.

We are interested in receiving your feedback to help make appropriate changes to the initial design. You can view the design and species list via the links below.

You can also contact us via email at community@treesforcities.org .