Call for More Trees in Reading's Newtown Area

Campaigners want more trees in dense parts of Reading after councillors heard some areas are being missed out.

Reading Borough Council says it has been planting hundreds of trees a year under its Tree Strategy, but Green councillor Josh Williams says the benefits aren't evenly spread - his Newtown neighbourhood saw just two trees planted in the last four years.

Cllr Williams asked at a council meeting: "Can the lead councillor tell us what the challenges are to planting trees in an urban area like Newtown, and what the council is doing to meet and overcome those challenges?"

Labour councillor John Ennis supplied figures showing council planting by year:

• 2022-23: 338
• 2023-24: 317
• 2024-25: 312
• 2025-26: 304

He also said that, from 2023 to date, 15 trees have been planted in Park ward, and that Park already has 14.9 per cent canopy cover - above the strategy's ward minimum target of 12 per cent by 2030.

Cllr Ennis warned planting in tight urban spots is tricky: "These areas often contain extensive underground utility infrastructure, including water, gas, electricity, telecommunications and drainage services, which can limit the availability of suitable planting locations. In addition, there are constraints relating to the amount of available highway space, as sufficient width must be maintained to allow the safe and convenient movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles."

The council says it will keep looking for opportunities on its own land and stick to the priorities set out in the Tree Strategy as it works toward its canopy targets.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter