Mini woodland sites could be created across six areas in Thanet as part of the council’s carbon reduction plan.

Cabinet members at a meeting next week are expected to approve plans to create the woodland areas at:

1. Dane Valley Road (1.2 hectares);
2. Garlinge Recreation Ground (0.5 hectares);
3. Memorial Recreation Ground Broadstairs (0.4 hectares);
4. Northdown Park (0.8 hectares);
5. St Peter’s Recreation Ground (0.6 hectares); 6. Tivoli Park (0.5 hectares).
6. Tivoli Park (0.5 hectares).

Mini-woodlands are created in urban spaces. Where most trees in cities are on the border of parks, around playing fields, or lining streets, mini-woodlands are an area of dense vegetation and bring the benefits of trees to local people.

A report to councillors says the councils aim is to reach net zero by 2030 and that any emissions produced by the authority at that point will need to be absorbed by carbon sequestration projects such as mini-woodland creation.

Absorbing carbon

The report adds: “The council has investigated what land it owns that can be used for mini-woodland creation, to absorb these left over emissions. A total of six sites have been identified as suitable locations for the Mini-Woodland Tree Planting Scheme. The total size of the land to be used is 4 hectares.”

The report says the mini woodlands would “absorb approximately 1,140 tonnes of carbon over 30 years (285 tonnes per hectare).”

Creating the woodlands would be paid for by bidding for funding from sources such as Kent County Council’s Plan Tree Scheme, the Environment Agency, Southern Water, and community/memorial schemes, but the land needs to be confirmed as allocated first.

Care and maintenance

The report adds: “It is essential the correct species are planted dependant on the soil conditions and watered in the first 3 years to ensure appropriate establishment to minimise failure.

“The trees will also need to be inspected annually for diseases to minimise the spread between the planted area. Once the mini-woodland has been established in 10-20 years time, there may be a requirement to ensure the area remains a safe open space. This can be created by raising the crown of trees to open up a sight line under the tree branches and/or creating walking routes through the woodlands.”

Sites

For Dane Valley two areas of land on grassland buffer have been identified for planting. At Garlinge the eastern corner of the Rec is earmarked. Three small areas have been pinpointed at the Memorial Ground, two areas at Northdown Park and one at St Peter’s Rec, which will need to be discussed with Thanet Wanderers which trains at the Rec.

A 0.5 ha area at Tivoli Park has also been recommended.

The report says: “The sites the Council creates mini-woodlands on will need to be closely looked after for three years with watering and other health care. Tree management strategies will need to be put in place to secure the health and longevity of the mini-woodland on a longer term basis.”

Community fruit garden plan

In January this year Scott Manclark, who is a volunteer with the Palm Bay and Northdown Community Group, put forward a plan to redevelop a neglected area of Northdown Park to create a community fruit garden.

Scott’s idea has been taken up by local councillors, including Cllr Barry Manners and Cllr Kevin Pressland.

Kevin is a horticulturalist and environmentalist and has put together a plan for the former play area near the pavilion and current play site.

Councillors will discuss the mini woodland scheme at a meeting on April 25.