Telford retains global green status for fourth consecutive year
Telford has once again secured its place on the international stage, receiving the prestigious Tree Cities of the World recognition for the fourth year running.
This accolade serves as a testament to the combined efforts of the local council, dedicated residents, and tireless volunteers who work in unison to preserve the area's sprawling natural landscape.
The borough is part of an elite global network comprising 283 cities across 25 nations. In the UK, Telford stands as one of 26 towns and cities to meet the rigorous standards required for the title. To maintain this status, Telford & Wrekin Council has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both planting and conserving millions of trees, ensuring a sustainable and greener future for the region.
Telford’s "urban forest" is a diverse tapestry that includes public parks, ancient woodlands, street-side trees, community orchards, and private gardens. Recent data indicates that the borough’s tree canopy cover has reached nearly 20 per cent, comfortably exceeding the national UK average of 16 per cent. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey recently identified more than 80 distinct tree species across the borough, with the vast majority found to be in either good or excellent health.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said:
“We are proud to have been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the fourth year in a row. This reflects the continued dedication of our staff, volunteers and residents who work hard to care for and protect our trees and green spaces.
“Trees play an important role in our borough. They provide attractive spaces for people to enjoy, support wildlife and help improve air quality. We will continue to manage and invest in our green spaces so they can be enjoyed by residents now and for generations to come.”
The Tree Cities of the World programme was established in 2019 through a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. To earn the distinction, a city must prove it meets five key standards. These include establishing clear responsibility for tree care, implementing official management policies, maintaining an accurate tree inventory, securing a dedicated budget for planting, and hosting annual events to celebrate the importance of the local canopy.
