Today, we continue our series of Tree City Spotlight in the hope of pointing out the importance of urban reforestation in our daily lives.
Various cities, especially the ones in the UK, have made immense efforts in creating more green spaces for the people. And while the topic of urban reforestation has been widely discussed over the decades, many cities are still facing challenges in becoming a tree city.
However, one city in West Yorkshire, England, has received the honorable title. In today’s episode, we highlight the city of Bradford, one of the first six Tree Cities of the World in the UK.
A Brief History of Bradford City
Bradford was a small rural market town with a population of little over 6,000 people in 1800. Wool was imported in large quantities for the creation of worsted fabric during this local industrial revolution, ushering in a time of tremendous expansion.
Bradford’s development was sparked by the introduction of industry in the early 18th century, and trade was aided by a new canal and turnpike road linkages. It was believed that Bradford processed two-thirds of the country’s wool production. Bradford had become the world’s wool capital with a population of 100,000 people less than ten years later
As you can see, Bradford has a long industrial history, having hosted an Industrial Exhibition in 1904 as part of the Industrial Revolution of the 1900s.
The population had increased to 103,000 by 1850, while the number of spinning mills had increased to 129. In 1900, the total number of mills had risen to 350. Bradford currently processes two-thirds of the country’s wool production. Although textiles have dropped in recent years, the local economy has expanded, attracting high-tech and media companies
With all that in mind, Bradford’s goal of becoming a tree city was set forth. Bradford has joined a growing network of cities and towns dedicated to caring for its urban trees – and the globe – by seeking to become one of the Tree Cities of the World.
Bradford’s Efforts in Urban Forestation
Many cities around the world have been finding new ways to create urban forests as they bring many benefits to our climate while creating better living conditions. Trees purify the air, reduce flood risk, boost mental and physical health, and provide natural habitats for animals. A single tree can absorb 22 kg of CO2 per year, and 100 square meters of forest can store nearly four tonnes.
The City of Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council launched its main climate action promise to plant the equivalent of a tree for every primary school kid in the city during National Tree Week 2020 as part of its commitment to urban forestry. This means planting 55,000 trees across the district over the next two years and forms part of a £1m investment in climate action measures announced in January 2020.
Bradford also opened the Bradford Environmental Forum with the goal of raising environmental awareness and protecting Bradford County’s natural systems. The forum promotes the image of Aquifer recharge zones, such as wetlands and sinkholes, to the public.
In addition, they introduce many environmentally sustainable rivers, lakes, streams, and forest management. The forum provides a wide range of agricultural approaches that improve and conserve natural systems. Ecotourism development is also encouraged. This will help protect and maintain the natural environment while also raising the city’s tourist industry.
Bradford Recognized as a Tree City
On December 8, 2020, Bradford was named a tree city, thus becoming one of the first six Tree Cities of the World in the United Kingdom, all thanks to its dedication to urban forestry management. Bradford’s immense efforts to initiate their urban forest management plan were not in vain. They’ve done an amazing job grabbing the honorable title of Tree City.
As mentioned in our previous tree city article, the tree cities of the world initiative is held by the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) along with the Arbor Day Foundation. The two organizations are among the leading groups in environmental protection widely known to the public.
The City of Bradford is now a member of a global network devoted to sharing information about how we can collectively manage urban trees and forests to make our cities greener and more resilient as a result of this exciting new accreditation.
On Sunday, November 29, 2020, the City of Bradford Council and One Tree for Every Child campaign, which was inaugurated during National Tree Week (November 28 to December 6, 2020), was highlighted on BBC1’s Countryfile show.
Benefits Bradford Receives as a Tree City
For becoming a tree city, Bradford will receive benefits of recognition that will enhance its urban forestry as well as the local people’s lives, all provided by the Tree City of the World program.
More specifically, the city of Bradford will get guidance, help, and international recognition as part of the Tree Cities of the World initiative for its commitment to its urban forest. The program provides a foundation for a healthy, long-term urban forestry program, with significant advantages.
FAO’s Forest Service, as well as a range of other professional resources, provide assistance and training opportunities to support the education process throughout the community’s participation in the program.
Becoming a Tree City also helps Bradford to project the image that most people seek when it comes to the location where they live or work. Visitors will see the Tree City flag and signage along public roadways, which indicate that the city’s municipality is concerned about the environment.
Moreover, The Arbor Day Foundation has made a direct contribution to sponsor 15,000 trees through Bradford’s cooperation with Trees for Cities since Bradford received this honor.
Conclusion
With the main climate action promises and measures in 2020, as well as its people’s dedication to building a green city, Bradford’s efforts have been paid off. The city aims to plant 10,000 trees to create an “urban forest” within the city, making it the ideal place for all green tourists and travelers. All in all, it is worthy of being among the first six Tree Cities of the World, and we believe the city will continue to create more green spaces for years to come.
