Blackpool Council receives funding to invest in green urban spaces

Trees are being planted in urban spaces across Blackpool thanks to a £1.8m fund.

Blackpool Council was awarded the £1.8m by United Utilities to plant trees in urban spaces across the popular seaside town. 

The funds were awarded as part of United Utilities’ Green Recovery Project has seen hundreds of new trees planted in residential streets and urban spaces throughout the town. 

The work also includes the installation of specialist pits to help the trees survive the urban environment and improve flood prevention. The pits will utilise surface water to water the trees and filter excess into the drainage systems, reducing runoff into the sewage systems.

£2m has been invested in the project with £1.8m coming from United Utilities, the North West’s water company who have invested the money as part of their Green Recovery Project. The remaining £200,000 is being funded by Blackpool Council.

This boost to Blackpool’s tree population will benefit the local environment with increased biodiversity, improved air quality and a wider canopy cover.

Blackpool has one of the lowest canopy covers in the country at just over 5 per cent - compared to the England-wide average of just over 16 per cent. In 2020 Blackpool Council launched a 10-year Tree Strategy which aims to create a thriving urban forest to benefit residents, visitors, wildlife and the environment.

Hundreds of new trees have already been planted, and the volunteer Tree Wardens scheme is getting the local community involved. 

Cllr Jane Hugo, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “I am delighted that Blackpool Council has been awarded £1.8m from United Utilities Green Recovery Project. 

“With this funding we can plant more trees in urban spaces, increasing canopy cover and improving biodiversity. This is a great step forward in our vision for a greener Blackpool.

“The council already works in partnership with local people to manage and protect the town’s trees and woodlands. This funding means we can go further creating a greener, healthier future for residents.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for many years to come.”

Heather Lancaster, Rainwater Management Technical Principal at United Utilities said: “We are really pleased to offer the funding to Blackpool Council in a bid to create greener spaces within the popular seaside town. This project promotes the re-use of surface water, diverting volume away from the sewer network and generating capacity for future climate resilience. The new trees will improve the biodiversity of the area and create a welcome green canopy for the community to enjoy.

“We are pleased to continue working with the council, investing into our communities and promoting our beautiful North West.”