Peterborough Lib Dem leader hits out at ‘pathetic and tokenistic’ tree planting target in city

Cllr Nick Sandford hit out at the Conservative leadership in a speech at the virtual Lib Dem party conference where he was speaking in support of a motion on “recovery from the covid pandemic” which called for more investment in natural green space and the planting of 60 million trees every year.

Cllr Sandford, ward member for Paston and Walton, said Peterborough has a target of planting 400 trees a year.

He told the conference: “This amendment emphasises the importance of giving people access to natural green space of all kinds. During the covid pandemic, when people have been confined to their homes for long periods, many have appreciated the chance to get out into their local wood or park, even just for a short time each day.

“I live in Peterborough where we have a Tory council. They have declared a climate emergency and have a tree planting target to plant 400 trees a year. How pathetic and tokenistic is that?

“But you don’t have to go far from Peterborough to South Cambs to see where Lib Dem principles are being translated into action on the ground. They know that giving people access to green space is not just an environmental issue but a social and health issue too.”

The amendment and the motion were passed by a large majority.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “Peterborough City Council is committed to delivering the commitments outlined in our Tree and Woodlands strategy.

“A key part of this plan is not only to continue to plant additional trees on our own land but also to support Peterborough Environment City Trust’s project to plant a tree for every resident in the city by 2030. So far, approximately 110,000 trees have been planted as part of this initiative.”