Building on the success of surpassing its ambitious goal of planting 20,000 trees by 2026, Watford Borough Council will be planting 158 new trees and over 3,000 saplings this year to green the town...
The initiative, funded by the council and supported by a £75,000 grant from the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF), highlights Watford’s commitment to increasing tree canopy cover and combating climate change.
These new trees – planted in partnership with Veolia – not only enhance the town’s beauty but also play a vital role in improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and creating healthier urban spaces for residents and wildlife.
They have been planted in neighbourhoods across the town, with an additional 3,000 new tree saplings also being planted in Whippendell Wood, and 100 in Lea Farm Recreation Ground, further strengthening the council’s commitment to improving green spaces for the community.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “This new funding will help us plant even more trees in Watford, improving air quality and making Watford an even greener place to live. This is part of our wider work towards becoming a net-zero carbon town by 2030.
“When I was elected, I set out in my manifesto to plant 20,000 trees by 2026 in our town. I am delighted that Watford has exceeded this target 2 years ahead of time. Thank you to everyone in the community who has helped create a greener and healthier environment.”
Councillor Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Parks, said: “Thanks to the support from the Local Authority Treescapes Funding, we're enhancing our landscape and improving the environment. These trees won't just beautify our neighbourhoods; they'll help fight climate change, clean our air, and create a healthier urban space for everyone—both people and wildlife. This initiative shows our dedication to a more sustainable future for Watford.”
The council’s tree-planting locations have been guided by resident suggestions, ensuring the initiative reflects community needs. Residents can continue to submit tree-planting requests year-round by visiting www.watford.gov.uk/treeplanting
