Trees replanted in Histon Road to help keep community green

11 trees on Histon Road which sadly failed to return this spring have been replaced following swift intervention by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

After the completion of the Histon Road scheme in 2021, officers have continued to monitor the trees, bushes and ‘green wall’ which were planted to ensure the works to transform the road created a new biodiverse travel corridor into Cambridge.

Having seen signs that a few of the trees were struggling following last summer’s hot weather, officers reacted quickly to replace 11 trees which did not return this year.

The new trees which are tulips and silver birches have been successfully planted and will be carefully monitored and watered over the coming months.

The trees have been installed with a watering tube that enables the water to be directed into the ground reducing the amount of evaporation in the summer months. During really hot weather there is the option to water as appropriate to meet the needs of the trees.

Paul van de Bulk, Major Infrastructure Project Manager at the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said:

“The project team have continued to monitor the landscaping features which were installed as part of the Histon Road project. As a result, we are aware that while most of the plants are thriving along the scheme, some of the trees, despite showing signs of life in the autumn, did not return this spring.

"The project team has been out to assess each tree’s health and have now replaced all the specimens that failed to establish. The new trees have been carefully selected to ensure they are suitable for planting during summer months as we know this has been raised as a concern by local residents.

“We know the local community cares deeply about their trees and have offered to help water them as well which demonstrates their commitment to the environment. At GCP, we share this responsibility and will make sure the new trees are well cared for through regular watering, when needed, and will ensure they remain closely monitored during the months ahead so they are able to thrive in the years to come.”

The Histon Road scheme involved the creation of a dedicated bus lane, floating bus stops, widened existing cycle lanes and added new ones to encourage more people to walk, cycle or take the bus along Histon Road, helping to cut congestion and improve air quality.

For more information on the Greater Cambridge Partnership visit: www.greatercambridge.org.uk.