Residents, community groups, and businesses in Bedford Borough have joined forces with the national charity Trees for Streets to plant nearly 100 new trees across the borough this year. Since the program arrived in Bedford Borough in 2021, over 300 trees have been planted, transforming streets and contributing to a healthier, greener environment.
“The Trees for Streets initiative is a fantastic example of how our community can come together to make a real difference,” says Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council. “These new trees will not only enhance the beauty of our neighbourhoods but will also provide significant environmental benefits, improve mental wellbeing, and encourage outdoor activities.”
The Trees for Streets program empowers residents to directly contribute to their local environment. Helena Pointer, who moved to Bedford Borough last year, immediately sponsored a cherry tree outside her new home. “I feel extremely happy to be able to make a difference to our street and provide a tree for everyone to enjoy,” she explains.
Long-time resident Diana Bedford has become a local “tree hero” by sponsoring a tree every year since the program began. “I wanted to do my bit in improving my road,” she says. Her enthusiasm has inspired others, and she is excited about the third tree she is sponsoring this winter.
Neighbours across the borough have come together to raise funds for trees in their neighbourhoods. Will White used the Trees for Streets crowdfunding platform to collect donations for four new trees on his street. The community came together to make this vision a reality. Will now plans to continue fundraising for more trees next year.
Local businesses are also getting involved. Horizon Specialist Contracting, a national company with operations in Bedford Borough, sponsored a row of nine new trees outside Kempston Rural Primary School. Students from the school’s Eco Committee even participated in the planting day, learning about the process and the benefits of trees.
In total, 25 new trees were planted outside two local schools this year. These trees will help to mitigate noise and air pollution, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for students as they walk to and from school.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a tree in Bedford Borough can visit www.treesforstreets.org/Bedford to request a tree at a location of their choosing. The council will then survey the location and, if approved, plant a 3+ metre “instant impact” tree this winter. Sponsorship requests must be made by the end of November 2024 for the next planting season which runs until March 2025.
Join the movement to create a greener, healthier Bedford Borough. Plant a tree today!