Debden tree planting consultation

We have been awarded grant funding through the Forestry Commission’s Local Authorities Treescapes Fund to support planting of trees at sites in Debden.

The proposed planting in Debden aims to bring the many benefits of increased tree cover these include an enhanced local environment, increased biodiversity, carbon storage, reduced flood risk and improved air quality. We would like to hear your thoughts on the proposals.

The planting descriptions refer to the following tree terminology:

• Whips – unbranched young tree seedlings of approximately 0.5m to 1m in height
• Standards – An older tree of approximately 2.5m in height, clear of branches for the first 1.8m

Planting proposal

Site 1 – Jessel Green

• Map showing the Jessel Green proposed planting (pdf 460KB)

Planting description – Whip planting

• A mixture of smaller and larger native species to add to the existing planted boundaries along Colebrook Lane and Brady Avenue. The new planting area along Brady Avenue would be no wider than 1.5m to 2m
• The new planting along Colebrook Lane (leaving the area around the playground open) would be no wider than 3m

Species proposed

• Hornbeam, Dogwood, Spindle, Evergreen Oak, Birch, Hazel, Guelder Rose depending on availability

Planting description – Standard planting

• 10 feature trees to be planted along Brady Avenue
• 10 feature trees along the north end of Jessel Drive adjacent to Colebrook Lane, planted at least 10m apart to keep resident views across the green
• 12 trees to add to the existing tree wedge at the corner of Goldingham Avenue
• 3 trees to link the 2 copses

Species proposed

• Walnut, Golden Hornet Apple, Birch, Mulberry, Common Limes, London Plain, Field Maple depending on availability

Considerations

• Flat areas and the slope next to Jessel Drive proposed to be kept clear to allow for community activities and sledging
• Planting kept to the boundaries to keep the open feel of the area
• Planting well-spaced to allow for views onto and across the green

Site 2 – Rochford Green

• Map showing the Rochford Green proposed planting (pdf 539KB)

Planting description – Standard planting

• 5 tree avenue along the pathway next to the playground
• 7 further trees planted in keeping with current trees on the green to keep the space open and be mindful of views from housing

Species proposed

• Oak, Birch, London Plane, Maple, Alder depending on availability

Have your say

The consultation will run from 23 December until 20 January 2022.

To share your thoughts and ideas with us you can:

• Answer the questions in our online survey
• Send us your comments, email climatechange@eppingforestdc.gov.uk with the subject Debden Tree Planting
• Post comments to Climate Change, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ

Your comments and survey responses will be used to review the planting proposal.

Volunteering

This project has the potential to get the community involved in planting and caring for the trees.

To express your interest in volunteering please state you would like to volunteer in your email or post response along with your contact details or answer the volunteering question in the survey.