Following years of campaigning by residents, a once tree-lined Far Cotton street may see its urban trees reinstated – in the first major planting project for 50 years.
The news comes after a recently released report by Northampton Academy student Ria, revealed that the trees in the Far Cotton area in Northampton have decreased by 58 percent over the last 60 years.
Deputy head girl, Ria, produced the detailed report, following her research into the decline of urban trees in the area of Far Cotton in Northampton.
Ria, who is passionate about climate change was one of the few students to be offered a Nuffield Research Placement at the University of Northampton. Her report was commissioned by Alice Whitehead, organiser of the Far Cotton residents 'Save Our Street Trees' campaign, who raised concerns about the effects on the environment after residents noticed trees being removed from Penryn Road. Senior lecturer in geography and environmental science at the University of Northampton, Joanna Wright assisted Ria in putting together the report.
The report highlights the decline in the number of street trees in the area and the significance of this change, mapping the decrease over the years to show conclusively, just how significant this is to Far Cotton and its residents.
The report states the many benefits that street trees provide, such as:
- Urban cooling
Without urban cooling, air temperatures in man-made, built-up areas will start to rise. This can cause harm to vulnerable people in urban areas and cause great discomfort both physically and emotionally. Higher air temperatures in urban areas can also cause ozone to be formed at a ground level which is detrimental to human health (Monteiro, et al., 2019). Studies have shown that the urban cooling provided by urban greenspace (street trees included) saved the government £22M in annual energy consumption in London alone (Moss, et al., 2019).
- Improving the mental health and wellbeing of residents
Street trees have been shown to improve the lifestyle of residents by reducing stress (Knecht, 2004).
- Removing pollution particulates from the air
Street trees create a barrier between pedestrians and traffic by blocking the particulates produced. This means that harmful particulates can be removed from the air (Smith, 2012) and washed away in the rain, preventing them from getting into and harming the lungs of pedestrians (Nowak, et al., 2011)
The number of street trees was investigated through time using a combination of historical and aerial data, with the modern number of trees being mapped using GPS; allowing for accurate comparison. The definition of a street tree is a tree that lines the pavement, separating pedestrians from oncoming traffic.
When asked how she felt about the success of her report Ria said:
" It’s great to be involved in research and to be making a difference in my local area, in highlighting such an important issue. I have family living in the Far Cotton area so this will have a positive effect on them. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and I look forward to continuing my work in this area."
Ria was featured in the Chronicle and Echo, click here to read the article>>>