A new arboretum has been created in the park featuring a collection of exotic trees which includes both native and selected non-invasive exotic species.

They were planted by the Park Rangers, the Friends of Brierley Forest, and the Leader of the Council, Jason Zadrozny.

“We acknowledge that carbon offsetting is not a cure for climate change but it can help raise awareness of environmental issues and reduce the impact of our actions,” said Cllr. Zadrozny.

“The project is a partnership between the ‘Friends of Brierley Forest’, the Healthy Lifestyles Unit and the Ranger Service at Ashfield District Council. The arboretum will be confined to an area within easy reach of the visitor centre and car parks and it is intended that the arboretum will fulfil an educational role as well as increasing local biodiversity and facilitating the continued development of the Park”.

There is strong evidence that human emissions of greenhouse gases are changing the world’s climate. The greenhouse gas, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by trees; this is the rationale behind the decision to off set the climate impact of the Bonfire and Fireworks with the Arboretum Project at Brierley Park. Brierley Forest is part of the Greenwood Community Forest and is one of the largest Community Woodlands in the UK; it is also a Local Nature Reserve.

The trees to be planted at Brierley Forest Park will have further benefits of providing sustainable eco-environments and beautifying the landscape. The project will be funded from a budget held within the Healthy Lifestyles Unit.

Pictured at the tree planting are L to R: Terry Birch (Friends of Brierley Forest), Leader of the Council, Jason Zadrozny and Ranger Carl Williams. Click on photo for larger image.

Notes:

Ashfield District Council is a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, making a voluntary pledge to tackling climate change locally.

The Friends Groups are volunteers with environmental interests who act as a link between the local community and Ashfield District Council. The Friends work closely with the Council Rangers and nature conservation and encourage community involvement in the park.

An arboretum is a collection of exotic trees; for this project the collection will include both native and selected non-invasive exotic species.