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Tree on its way to the south coast
WESTMINSTER’S oldest resident is starting a new life in Southampton.
Environmental chiefs have confirmed that a towering 220-year-old plane tree in Berkeley Square that was chopped down earlier this year will rise again elsewhere.
The tree – which first took root in Westminster in 1789 – will be replanted in the grounds of a specialist nursery.
Cuttings holding the tree’s “DNA” were sampled after it was axed in Westminster.
Councillor Alan Bradley, lead member for street environment, said: “Trees are not only an integral part of our townscape, but can help to improve air quality by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
“The Westminster Tree Trust is an invaluable organisation that has worked tirelessly with the council to increase greenery in the city.
“We are proud to be able to celebrate its 25th birthday and look forward to many more years working together.”
Westminster has more than 8,000 trees and the council claims to have bucked the trend in the decline of street trees by planting more than 250 annually for the past 30 years. |
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