Liberal Democrats plant trees in Lambeth

7.30.38pm GMT Mon 21st Feb 2005

Lib Dem councillors Andrew Sawdon and Geoffrey Bowring with one of the new street trees in Carroun Road, SW8

Liberal Democrats in Lambeth have long urged greater efforts to improve the local environment. As part of this process we are pleased that around 1,100 more trees are being planted around the borough, as part of the Lambeth Opportunities Fund programme. Urban street trees brighten up an area, soften harsh landscapes and provide a sense of place and community - people feel better in green and leafy surroundings. 750 trees will be planted in streets and 350 in parks.

Street trees help clean our air and convert carbon dioxide (the biggest contributor to ozone depletion) into oxygen. Streets with trees can have up to 85% fewer dust particles in the air we breathe.

Of the 750 street trees, 400 are replacement trees filling vacant tree pits and 350 are new trees in new pits. The street tree maintenance programme is almost complete - all street trees in the borough will have been pruned by March; thereafter tree pruning will be on a 2/3 year cycle.

Parks, such as Vauxhall and Kennington, are also getting extra investment in trees, flower beds and play facilities.