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Clifton and Hotwells
Improvement Society (CHIS)

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TREES 2008-9

Richard Bland, tree warden
Wellingtonia trees, mostly planted around 1860, dominate the skyline of Clifton and Bristol because they were the must-have accessory of the Victorian age. They are dying for reasons that are obscure and the one in Pembroke Vale has looked sickly for a year or more. Taking it down was a two day two-crane job, and, assuming it was planted in the garden in Pembroke Road in which it was, is a vivid illustration of the need to be quite sure you know what you are planting when it comes to trees.

The creation of the Bristol Tree Forum, on which I represent CHIS, has led to a much improved cooperation between the arboricultural department and amenity societies, though the process, both on Redland Green and in the Mall Gardens, has not always been smooth. Both sides now have a much better understanding of the way the other works. The department wants to increase the tree canopy cover of the city, as part of the city ambition to be the Green Capital of Europe, and as a significant contribution to reducing global warming by shading the city, and thus reducing its heat absorption. Trees also of course sequestrate carbon dioxide, and the mature trees of Clifton private gardens are enormously important in this respect. The current vogue for paved patios and little plants in little containers is the exact opposite of what we should be seeking to achieve. Tree Bristol is a new organisation to raise funds, and in its first year has raised £19,000 and planted 742 trees. £7500 came from the Redland and Cotham Neighbourhood Partnership - so there is a Challenge to the Clifton and Cabot partnership.

Trees more details.


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