Royal Borough residents encouraged to adopt-a-tree in new scheme

Following the success of the Adopt-a-Street programme, residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are being invited to become 'Tree Guardians' of a new Adopt-a-Tree scheme.

The scheme, which launched on Wednesday in High Town Road, is hoping to encourage the public to maintain their trees by watering and weeding the surrounding area.

Cllr Christine Bateson, cabinet member for planning and community partnerships, said: “We do not want people to feel they have to take ownership of a particular tree, we are just looking for help in protecting our trees.”

The scheme is aimed at community groups such as schools and businesses.

The Sunningdale ward councillor added: “It is all about residents being the eyes and ears of the community and helping to look after some of the beautiful trees we have in our borough.”

Jane Crowther, arboricultural officer for the borough, said: “It is really important that we look after newly planted trees in the first few years of their lives.

"We encourage the use of recycled or grey water wherever possible to make sure we abide by the hosepipe ban.”

All guardians will receive a seasonal newsletter, a fridge magnet, an adoption certificate, as well as an 'officially adopted' label by their tree.

Visit www.rbwm.gov.uk for details.