Clacton-on-Sea Ranked Worst in England for Tree Access, Dubbed 'Tree Desert'
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A new report highlights Clacton-on-Sea as the worst in England for equal access to trees, with 98.2% of residents in areas of critically low tree cover, exacerbating air pollution, health issues, and heat exposure, amidst a noted north-south divide in tree equity across the UK.
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Clacton-on-Sea, the constituency of Nigel Farage, has been identified as a 'tree desert' with the worst access to trees in England, affecting over 98% of its urban population. A new report by the Woodland Trust reveals a stark north-south divide in the UK’s tree equity, with the north-east having the highest number of such 'deserts'. Hartlepool is also significantly impacted, with 86.9% of residents at risk due to low tree cover.
Caroline Gray of the Woodland Trust emphasized that over a million UK residents live in these areas, facing hotter environments, poorer air quality, and increased health risks, including asthma, heart disease, and mental health issues. The report suggests wealthier areas tend to have more trees, exacerbating social inequalities.
In response, Councillor Adrian Smith of Tendring District Council defended the area’s efforts, citing the planting of over 40,000 trees in recent years through the Tendring Woodland Initiative and community projects. However, the report’s rankings are based on the scale of the population exposed to low tree equity, considering the need for trees in high-pollution areas.
The Woodland Trust advocates for embedding tree equity into urban planning, ensuring planted trees are maintained. Gray encourages communities to apply for free trees to combat the issue. London and the south-east, including areas like Woking and Tunbridge Wells, fare better in tree density.
