Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council takes a step towards a greener future with the planting of 20 Lobel Elm trees.

On Friday, 15 December, the council planted 20 Lobel Elm trees across the borough. Lobel Elm is a Dutch Elm disease-resistant species and is part of the council’s initiative to replace the elm trees that were prevalent before the outbreak of Dutch Elm disease in the 1960s. The new trees will complement the original Dodoens Elms in Hatfield which are the largest of its species in the country.

The council’s tree planting project is aimed at increasing the number of trees in areas with low canopy coverage. The project is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to promote a greener and more sustainable environment for the community.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member, Environment, who attended the tree-planting along with Cllr Kieran Thorpe, said,

“We are delighted to have planted these trees as part of our ongoing efforts to enrich our local environment. The Lobel Elm is a beautiful and resilient species, and we hope that these trees will thrive and provide a healthy habitat for wildlife.”

Maydencroft, the tree-planting contractors, were responsible for planting the trees. The council has also undertaken other planting projects, including replacement planting at Lyles Lane and community orchards. The council encourages residents to participate in the “Your Tree Our Future” initiative, which aims to encourage people to plant trees in their back gardens. For more information, and to claim up to five free trees per applicant, visit: Your Tree Our Future – One Welwyn Hatfield (welhat.gov.uk)

For more information on the council’s tree planting initiatives, please visit the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council website: www.welhat.gov.uk.