A community-led project to plant more trees in and around Marlow in pursuit of multiple environmental benefits has officially launched with a £1,000 donation from a local residents’ group.
Releaf Marlow aims to increase the number of trees along Marlow’s streets, in open spaces, and in hedgerows as part of the #sustainablemarlow initiative launched by Marlow Town Council in July. It is a joint project of Marlow Town Council and local community group Transition Town Marlow, supported by an enthusiastic group of volunteer residents.
The £1,000 donation to Releaf Marlow was made by the Marlow & District Wine Circle, with an official presentation at its recent Big Bang Laughter Show in Liston Hall.
Marlow Town Council Leader Jocelyn Towns said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Transition Town Marlow on this exciting project. Trees bring many environmental benefits, as well as enhancing the natural beauty of our town. I would like to thank the Marlow & District Wine Circle for their generous donation. Releaf Marlow is a great example of the community working together towards the vision of a more sustainable town.”
Nick Rowcliffe of Transition Town Marlow said: “Transition Town Marlow aims to support the local community and help reduce our environmental impact, so Releaf Marlow is an important part of this work. As the project develops, we hope to be able to plant a variety of species in a range of locations, from larger trees at gateways to the town, to orchard planting in community areas”.
By increasing the number of urban trees, the project aims to make Marlow an even more pleasant place for people, to increase space for wildlife, and to absorb air pollution. Planting more trees is also an important response to climate change, because trees take up carbon from the atmosphere and provide shade and cooling in summer.
The project is being run in close cooperation with Wycombe District Council tree officers, who will help ensure that new trees are the right species in the right spaces.
In a first phase, Releaf Marlow volunteers are surveying the town to identify spaces where new trees could be planted, including along streets, in parks, and on other open spaces.
The second stage is to work with landowners to secure permissions, and with sponsors to secure additional funding so that the rate of tree planting can be dramatically increased.
Where possible, Releaf Marlow will also enable residents and local groups to get their wellies on and actually plant some trees.
Marlow residents are encouraged to get involved in the project. Residents can propose areas or specific locations for tree planting, sponsor individual new trees, or volunteer to become a local tree warden and look after new trees for their first few years.
To find out more about Releaf Marlow, you can email releafmarlow@gmail.com
See also more information about Marlow Town Council and #sustainablemarlow, and about Transition Town Marlow.