The idea
East Marsh United is a community group dedicated to improving Grimsby's East Marsh ward by finding ways to keep our residents happy, our houses safe and our streets clean and beautiful.
The East Marsh has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK and has just 2.8% tree canopy cover (UK average is ~16%). There is now a tidal wave of evidence linking 'urban greenery' to a raft of social, climate and economic benefits and so a key part of our approach is transforming the East Marsh through a long-term tree-planting project in our parks, our schools and our streets.
We're now working with 8 schools on the East Marsh to plant 100 trees, 10 hedges and a woodland copse on their school grounds in Feb 2024.
In Feb 2023 we planted 30 new trees in a local park. We want to repeat that success by using our community planting days to transform local school grounds from grey courtyards to green and healthy spaces for children to play in and learn in.
What we'll deliver
- 100 trees planted in 8 schools
- 10 hedges planted along school fences to provide a green barrier
- A small woodland copse on one school
Why it's a great idea
A large and growing body of research now demonstrates the significant link between urban greenery and a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits.
Despite this, the UK's poorest areas have the lowest levels of tree cover, even though they stand to benefit the most from more greenery and trees.
Grimsby's East Marsh ward suffers from one of the lowest levels of tree cover in the country, as well as being one of the most deprived. By planting trees in East Marsh we will tackle the area's significant shortfall in greenery and canopy cover. Planting trees will achieve several important regenerative outcomes:
- Reduced air pollution in our schools
- Increased access to greenery, biodiversity, nature for schoolchildren
- Improved educational and developmental outcomes
- Better physical and mental health for pupils and local residents
- Environmental benefits for the wider area such as flood prevention and shading during heatwaves.
- Happier children
Steps to get it done
- Buying equipment to plant in schools
- Planting costs in East Marsh schools
