Local community come together improve green space

The recreation ground has recently undergone improvement works to refurbish the children's play area, install a fitness and activity trail and a new mini soccer area with goals.

These improvements to the space were developed in consultation with the Parish Council, Dinnington First School and the local Scouts, Beavers and Cubs groups.

The local community wanted to see more trees planted to provide seasonal interest through blossom and autumn colours. The children of the scout groups were very environmentally aware and were keen that new trees should include native species and varieties that would contribute to improving the bio diversity of the area by providing food and shelter for local wildlife. 

Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City, Newcastle City Council said: “This project is a great example of how we have listened to the feedback from the local community and taken positive action to improve the green space where they live. The improvements to this area will give local residents somewhere to enjoy for years to come as well as support local wildlife and help improve air quality.”

George Appleby from 1st Dinnington Scout Group said: "1st Dinnington Scout Group were honoured to be asked to contribute to the redevelopment of park.  It was fantastic to see all the young people and their parents working together to plant the trees.  They will be able to come back in the years to come and say "I planted that". Thank you to Newcastle City Council and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust for organising the event."

The scout, beaver and cub groups involved in the project have helped to choose the trees and took part in a planting event on Saturday 16 March. This was all positive work towards their environmental badge award. The planting sessions were facilitated by Northumberland Wildlife Trust and taught the children new skills in handling the plants, digging and preparing the planting pits, planting and securing the trees with a stake and guard.

The recreation ground will see 139 trees installed. These include 64 larger trees to provide a Cherry Blossom Avenue which will bring a new pop of colour to the space, and 5 donated by a local resident who has grown them in his own garden. 

The tree planting has been funded through the North East Community Forest Trees for Climate grant which includes for 3 years maintenance of the trees. The North East Community Forest initiative aims to plant up to 500 hectares of trees and woodlands between 2021 – 2025, with a long-term goal to increase canopy cover across the North East to 30% by 2050 – almost double the current national average.

Newcastle City Council aims to increase tree stock and canopy cover to give greater species and age diversity to ensure a healthy, balanced tree population. In 2019 the authority made a commitment to increase the city’s tree canopy cover from 18.1 percent to 20 percent by 2050 - equivalent to around 19,000 extra trees.