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100 Trees Delivered for Front Garden Forests
We are delighted to confirm that we have successfully delivered 100 trees to households across the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments as part of our Front Garden Forests initiative.
The programme invited residents to plant a tree in their front garden, helping create small pockets of greenery that collectively support flood resilience, biodiversity and climate adaptation across the local landscape.
While each tree may seem like a small addition, together they can make a meaningful difference. Trees help absorb rainwater, slow surface runoff and improve soil infiltration, which can reduce pressure on drainage systems during periods of heavy rainfall. They also provide shade, improve air quality and create habitats for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
Residents across the two catchments responded enthusiastically to the initiative. Many households collected their trees and shared positive feedback after planting them, often commenting on how much they appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a wider environmental effort while enhancing their own gardens.
The trees selected for the programme were suitable for residential spaces and included species such as silver birch, ornamental cherries, magnolias and apple trees. Each was chosen to thrive in smaller garden settings while also providing seasonal interest and ecological value.
Trees were nurtured and supplied by Russell and his team at Woodland Dwelling, whose expertise helped ensure healthy, well-established trees ready for planting in their new homes.
The Front Garden Forests programme forms part of the RAIN Project’s wider work to explore practical ways communities can play a role in improving flood resilience. By planting trees in front gardens across the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments, residents are helping to create greener streets, support local wildlife and contribute to a landscape that is better able to manage rainfall naturally.
Sometimes, strengthening resilience really can start with a single tree in a front garden. 🌳
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The RAIN Project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
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