Sheffield Council plans family-friendly tree celebration amid street tree inquiry

The free entry Sheffield Tree Fayre will take place at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, September 10 from 10am until 4pm.

It will feature children’s outdoor forest school activities, indoor crafts, wood craft stalls, guided tree walks, tree-themed talks with speakers including from the National Trust and Camilla Allen – author of The Politics of Street Trees.

Wood-fired pizzas will be available and there will also be a variety of wood and tree-themed stalls.

Leonie Kapadia, community forestry project manager at the council, said there will be plenty of fun activities for all ages.

She said: “It’s also an opportunity for our team, who work with community groups and schools to plant trees across the city, to talk to local people about what we do.

“Our colleagues in the tree team, who focus on caring for and managing our tree population, will also be there to chat to the public on issues such as Ash dieback and tree resilience to climate change.”

Members of the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership will also be at the event to speak to attendees about the progress being made as part of the Sheffield Street Tree Strategy.

Councillor Richard Williams, chair of the parks and leisure committee, added: “We’re so fortunate to have such a huge number of trees and green spaces in Sheffield – wherever you live you’re never far from a tree, park or woodland.

“This event aims to bring together everyone in the city who is passionate about trees and how they make Sheffield a better place to live, work and play. We know how valued our parks, woodlands and green spaces are and this is a chance to learn more about how we manage our existing trees and plant new trees where they are needed. People can also find out more about how they can get involved with community projects in their local area.”

All activities for the event will take place at the Thompson Road entrance side of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens S11 8RB.

The event is hosted by Sheffield City Council Community Forestry Team, in partnership with The Woodland Trust, National Heritage Lottery funded Education and Engagement Project at Sheffield Botanical Gardens and the Sheffield Street Tree Partnership. The event is also supported by the Friends of Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust.

To book a free ticket in advance (booking is optional) visit: https://sheffieldtreefayre2022.eventbrite.com

Sheffield Street Tree Partnership and inquiry

The Street Tree Partnership strategy set out guidance and direction for the management and maintenance of Sheffield’s street trees following the infamous felling of thousands by the council and its contractor Amey.

It focuses on retaining street trees where possible and making decisions on a case-by-case basis.

There is also an independent inquiry taking place into the scandal chaired by Sir Mark Lowcock.

Sir Lowcock said a report will be produced at the conclusion of the inquiry, which is scheduled for March 2023 but may be earlier if possible.