Newsroom

8 June 2026

Volunteer wardens plant thousands of new trees across Blackpool

Thousands of new trees have been planted across Blackpool's parks and green spaces.

Group of people on the park smiling with shovels in their hands
Tree Wardens

Blackpool Council's volunteer Tree Wardens led the planting of 7,270 trees, whips and saplings across 29 local green spaces.

Working alongside the council's Parks Team and staff from Enveco NW Environmental Services, the volunteers contributed an estimated 735 hours to the annual project between November and February.

Across 30 planting sessions, more than 70 volunteers – including a dedicated core group of tree wardens – worked with community groups, organisations and schools to help enhance green spaces across the town.

Planting has taken place at sites including Fylde Memorial Arboretum, Revoe Community Garden, Kingscote Park and Boundary Park, and as a result has seen:

  • An additional 470 standard trees, and
  • Over 6,800 whips and micro wood saplings introduced

Supporting the creation of:

  • Five new woodland areas
  • 24 new community orchards

The planting extended beyond dedicated green spaces too, with new trees also introduced at South Shore Academy and St George’s High School.

A diverse mix of native broadleaf and coniferous trees has been planted, alongside a variety of fruit trees including apple, pear, damson and plum.

Specimen trees have also been introduced in parks through the Trees for Streets scheme. All species are carefully selected for their suitability to urban conditions and long-term climate resilience. Establishment is supported through a programme of watering by Enveco and formative pruning, with additional assistance from local tree wardens.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change said:

"Our Tree Wardens are making a real difference to Blackpool's environment and communities. Through their dedication, we have seen community orchards and commemorative trees planted in our parks, more trees introduced across our neighbourhoods and exciting projects such as new micro woodlands brought to life. “Their work goes far beyond planting trees. They are helping to create greener, healthier spaces for people to enjoy, supporting local wildlife and ensuring future generations can benefit from a richer natural environment. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a committed group of volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to enhancing our green spaces."

Tree planting has increased by 60% over the past two seasons compared to previous years. Working in partnership with community groups, Enveco and the Lancashire Treescapes Team, volunteers have played a key role in this growth, significantly increasing planting levels across the Blackpool area.

The Tree Wardens team celebrated their first anniversary as a volunteer group in February.

Tree Warden testimonials

Dean

The best thing you can do for nature is plant a tree. For the planet, for Blackpool, for future generations! I am happy growing, planting and looking after our trees and establishing our community tree nursery. My physical, mental and spiritual therapy. Try it, you'll love it!

Kerry

I only started gardening a few years ago and noticed how much I have benefitted from it both physically and mentally. I have learnt a lot about how to plant trees, feathers and whips, but I have also found out about the various parks and volunteer groups around Blackpool, and the work that is being done.

Mac

What better way to fill your soul than to plant and nurture a tree and watch it grow. The satisfaction and pride of knowing you are helping your community, and the environment is worth the hard work. I totally recommend it.

Learn more about Blackpool’s tree warden volunteer group and how to join.

Related news stories