Estate fights traffic pollution with tree-planting scheme

Volunteers from the Bramley Estate Residents Association (BERA) in Handsworth, Sheffield, have planted 17 new trees in the area after winning cash from Sheffield Council’s South East Community Assembly budget.

Maurice Littlewood, of BERA, said: “Planting trees is no substitute for reducing the amount of traffic in the area and more low emission vehicles will help, however, research suggests that planting lots of trees can have a positive effect on air pollution.

“The trees on the estate were originally planted by the highways department over 35 years ago, and paid for with contributions from local residents.

“Over time some of the trees failed and residents have been keen to replace these for some years now.

“As there is no budget for street trees until private funding is agreed, the only way the trees could be replaced was by the community ourselves.

“However, the project could not have been delivered without the practical assistance of our partners – Tinsley Tree Project and the community forestry team at the city council.”

Mr Littlewood said it was hoped that the trees planted would soak up around 66.6kg of carbon dioxide per year.

The project was supported by The East End Quality of Life Initiative which co-ordinates a city-wide community network monitoring air quality.