National Lottery Heritage Grants £10,000 to £250,000
Historically, Hartlepool was rich in natural heritage, with landscapes that included ancient woodlands and coastal habitats. However, the city’s natural landscape was cleared during its rapid industrialisation and urban expansion in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In many coastal places like Hartlepool, the tree canopy is as low as 2% (Forest Research recommends a minimum of 20%). This means that communities are left without the many cooling, flood protection and health and wellbeing benefits that trees provide.
To tackle this environmental injustice, Tree Equity for Hartlepool will begin to close the nature gap by planting at least 10 hectares of trees in nature-deprived areas and connect 1,500 local people to nature through tree planting and community engagement.
It will use the Tree Equity Score UK tool to form plans for change for communities where trees are needed most. The tree equity tool also highlights other environmental factors such as heat severity and air pollution, taking a holistic view on which areas are in greatest need of green investment.
