Thursday 19 April 2007

Local Trees are better than imported

I notice Reading Minster Church was recently given an award by www.treesforcities.org . I applaud your efforts to increase the number of trees planted, and other eco initiatives on your website. But Minster Church weren’t planting native trees, they included including Holm Oak (Southern Europe), Serbian Spruce (Serbia), Yew, American Small Leaved Lime (USA) and Calley pear (presumably the Callery Pear from China).

Isn’t it best to utilise native tree and shrub seedlings from a locally adapted seed source because:

  • They are better adapted to local extremes in weather and to local conditions
  • They provide superior native wildlife habitat
  • They are less likely to be stressed than none native plants
  • They are more resistant to insect and disease attacks
  • They are a link to our natural heritage


not to mention the environmental cost of transporting trees and the loss of natural environment impact on insects and animals.

And were not a city, but our Council seem to act as if we were.

www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/PressArticle.asp?id=SX9452-A7824150

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree partly with your sentiment, reference the new tree planting in The Minster Church yard in Reading. But could you please check your grammar, before you publish your comments; as it would give a much more professional and forceful stance to your subject. i.e. "But Minster Church weren't planting native trees," (But, The Minster Church, weren’t...) "And were(we are or we're) not a city, but our Council seem to act as if we were".
Lastly if Yew trees (you did not mention which species) are not native to Britain; Why have they a pedigree of anything up to 4000 years history in the UK?

Adrian Windisch said...

Hi Anon, thanks for your comments.

Yew does seem to be the only native species on this list, you will notice I gave the origins of the non native trees. The list came from the press release, which wasn't specific about origins or numbers of tree species. I looked them up.

While I agree that a good use of language is important in communication, this is a blog and not a formal place that needs perfect grammar; more an on line diary for chatting and comment.