A five year tree planting strategy was announced yesterday (Wednesday 26 June) by the Chief Minister at the 40th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Arboretum.
The Isle of Man Government is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and yesterday the Chief Minister released plans to plant 85,000 trees on the Isle of Man, one for every resident, to help offset the Island’s CO2 emissions.
In addition, a further 1,000 will be planted in urban areas. Commissioners, businesses and local residents will be asked to identify areas that could benefit from additional trees and businesses will be invited to sponsor the planting of some of the areas of woodlands.
In 2019 the Isle of Man Government declared a climate change emergency and stated that a Climate Change Bill would be introduced to the branches in the next legislative year.
Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK said:
‘This woodland will be an area truly belonging to the public, with a tree for each resident. Our vision is to have more woodlands and trees than the Island has had for more than a generation by 2024. This strategy will tie in with a number of government strategies and reflects our commitment to taking immediate action on climate change ahead of tfhe Bill coming into the branches next legislative year.’
The tree planting strategy outlines plans for one woodland made up of 85,000 trees that will cover approximately 150 acres.
The location of the woodland area is still to be determined and an officer group are reviewing suitable areas within the government estate to plant the native, broadleaf and fruit variety trees. The woodland will also include public cycling, walking and horse-riding trails.
The Chief Minister planted the first tree to mark the 40th anniversary of the Arboretum. The Golden Hornet Crab Apple Tree is one of 35 trees that will be planted to mark each representative of Tynwald. The Chief Minister used the same silver shovel that was used to plant the first tree of the Arboretum.
