Searching for Oldham's Tree Guardians

Jennie Holdsworth from Holts

Residents who want to become Tree Guardians and look after the natural world in their communities are being asked to come forward by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

The housing association has linked up with Manchester charity City of Trees for the initiative and has so far planted 76 new trees in eight neighbourhoods across Oldham.

These are: Egerton Street, Eldon Street, Glodwick, Holts Village, St Mary's, Sholver, Coldhurst and Alt.

But now FCHO is looking for more volunteer eco-friendly customers and members of the local community to show their support and help look after the trees that shelter and feed many living things.

Customer Jennie Holdsworth from Holts has already signed up to be a Tree Guardian. 

“I welcome more trees being planted in my neighbourhood and this is a great project,” she said.

“I love to grow my own fruit, vegetables, and plants, so looking after greenery comes incredibly naturally.

“I've wanted to plant my own trees for quite some time, but I don't have a lot of space at home so to have a tree in the community that I can care for is perfect.” 

David Wrigley, Head of Neighbourhood Care at FCHO, added: “We’d really like to have Tree Guardians in all our communities making sure the trees planted are kept and eye on and able to thrive.

“This is part of FCHO’s work to improve green spaces now and in the future.

"It is also part of our commitment to help tackle climate change and improve biodiversity in our role as an anchor organisation across Oldham.”

Tree types planted include Sycamore Maple, European Hornbeam, Swedish Whitebeam and London Plane.

There is a watering system with each tree to help keep it healthy and strong, especially during the drier summer months.

For more information and to sign up as a Tree Guardian, please log on to: https://www.fcho.co.uk/Tree-Guardian/

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