A greener future for Thurrock

Thurrock Council has been busy planting trees to boost wildlife and enhance the appearance of local streets. 

During this first round of plantings, which took place in the spring, 32 trees were planted to replace those lost due to environmental factors in Connaught Avenue, Lenthall Avenue, Lenmore Avenue, Ward Avenue, Blackshots Lane and the edges of Blackshots Recreation Ground in Grays. A further 34 trees will be planted throughout the borough in the autumn.  

A variety of resilient species have been planted so far, such as limes, robina, tree privet, Ostrya, Taxodium, Paulownia and Norway maple. Owing to their location, these were chosen for their tolerance to drought, pests and disease. 

The new plantings are the result of the council’s inaugural tree planting strategy, which has introduced policies including like-for-like tree replacement and replacing trees in the same location, if possible. This strategy will ensure that trees removed in the past three years are replaced during 2019/20 – equating to 66 new trees. The council will then replace one for one every tree that is removed from 2021, which represents approximately 21 trees per year. 

Cllr Aaron Watkins, portfolio holder for Environment, said:

“Trees provide an amazing range of health, economic and environmental benefits for our community in Thurrock. As well as offering diverse habitats for the variety of wildlife that we see in the borough, they contribute to our mental health, well-being and air quality, and make our streets and public spaces more attractive. Our new tree planting strategy is ambitious and alongside our aims, we will be encouraging developers to plant new trees. These trees will provide a healthy, beautiful environment for generations to come.” 

For more information visit thurrock.gov.uk/tree-maintenance