Have you noticed, there are lots of playgrounds in Godalming that have no afternoon shade? With our summers getting hotter, increased temperatures during heatwaves make some of our play areas unusable for children. So Roots for the Future aims to rectify this by planting trees that will create shade so that our little ones can continue to play, even on hot days.
The first popular well used playground we will be planting at is Broadwater. This photo is taken in the morning, when the trees on the south-east side cast shade. By the afternoon there is none. So, we have been working closely with the Waverley Borough Council officers and councillors to plan the design of the tree planting to ensure maximum shade and biodiversity value, as well as climate hardiness.
Eco Councillors from Broadwater school will be joining us to plant the trees on Wednesday 25 February along with Councillors from Waverley borough, Godalming town and Surrey county councils. As well as reducing urban heat, the trees we plant will also absorb carbon, reduce flooding, increase biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife. We will be planting seven ‘select standard’ sized trees and the play area will be closed for the day.
Once these trees have established and start to grown, families will be able to keep active thanks to the shade they provide. Keeping the recreation area cool will protect the most vulnerable members of our community, from the youngest toddlers to their older grandparents.
Trees are amazing for many different reasons. They provide people with social and health benefits such as filtering air and noise pollution, they reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by making places look more beautiful, they increase feelings of wellbeing, inspire children, and reduce stress in everyone. Crucial to this project, trees act as a natural air conditioner – through the process of evapotranspiration they draw heat away from air and surfaces and release water vapor into the atmosphere.
The next playground we are planting at is Combe Rd, off Green Lane in Farncombe. This recreation park has no tree shade at all. In fact, inside there are no tees, there are only trees in nearby gardens. We will be holding a community tree planting day on Saturday 21st March with people who live near and/or use the playground.
Our events bring people together to make a positive difference to their environment and their own lives. We envisage our focus on children and young people inspires them to live more harmoniously with nature, as well as addressing increasing climate anxiety. We believe when people plant trees together, it strengthens communities and helps them feel empowered in the fight against the climate crisis.
We currently only have funding for these two play areas but we have hopes to secure another grant to plant at a third which, similarly, has no tree shade in the afternoon. ???? More about that one soon! Perhaps you can guess which one it is…?