Blackpool, Cookson Street
Blackpool, Cookson Street
The project at Blackpool Cookson Street began with a comprehensive assessment of the area’s environmental conditions and community needs. The location faced numerous challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution and lack of green spaces.
To address these issues and enhance the urban environment, Blackpool Council applied for the ‘Quality Corridors Fund’ that was used to implement mature tree planting within the town centre.
Species selection was crucial to ensure suitability for urban coastal conditions and maximise long-term benefits. Considering factors such as salt tolerance, wind resistance and moisture requirements for both wet and dry conditions, also soil types, sunlight exposure and overall visual impact.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The project at Blackpool Cookson Street began with a comprehensive assessment of the area’s environmental conditions and community needs. The location faced numerous challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution and lack of green spaces.
To address these issues and enhance the urban environment, Blackpool Council applied for the ‘Quality Corridors Fund’ that was used to implement mature tree planting within the town centre.
Species selection was crucial to ensure suitability for urban coastal conditions and maximise long-term benefits. Considering factors such as salt tolerance, wind resistance and moisture requirements for both wet and dry conditions, also soil types, sunlight exposure and overall visual impact.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The trees “might be dead now” if the council had cut corners - the funding was there and the outcome was great!
In February 2019, Barcham Trees supplied ten trees (5x Sea buckthorn & 5x Ulmus), chosen for their ability to thrive in urban environments, provide shade, and absorb pollutants. Careful considerations were required for the tree’s health below ground.
Understanding correct soil volume per species needs is critical, GreenBlue has shared its expertise within the Tree Species Soil Volume Guide that considers all factors, including water holding capacities.
The trees supplied required approximately 13m3 volume below ground, this also allowed 22% volume available for stormwater attenuation, the equivalent of 28,600 litres with a 48-hour discharge rate.
The trees “might be dead now” if the council had cut corners - the funding was there and the outcome was great!
In February 2019, Barcham Trees supplied ten trees (5x Sea buckthorn & 5x Ulmus), chosen for their ability to thrive in urban environments, provide shade, and absorb pollutants. Careful considerations were required for the tree’s health below ground.
Understanding correct soil volume per species needs is critical, GreenBlue has shared its expertise within the Tree Species Soil Volume Guide that considers all factors, including water holding capacities.
The trees supplied required approximately 13m3 volume below ground, this also allowed 22% volume available for stormwater attenuation, the equivalent of 28,600 litres with a 48-hour discharge rate.
The planting of ten trees along Cookson Street had significant environmental benefits. Despite these advantages, the project initially faced scrutiny towards the council regarding its cost implications.
However, a research study funded by GreenBlue Urban in November 2022 via Treeconomics using the I-tree Tool conducted a ‘Carbon Report’ with thorough analysis on the newly planted trees, stating that the carbon now stored per tonne was significant and thus the return-on-investment v long-term benefits to the community would be substantial….
The long-term benefits of tree planting outweigh the initial investment.
The urban canopy on these trees has visibly enhanced biodiversity, supporting local wildlife and creating a more vibrant ecosystem.
Beyond environmental advantages, the project generated social and economic benefits for the community. Despite initial concerns raised, the improved aesthetics along Cookson Street attracted more visitors, stimulating local businesses and boosting property values.
Collaboration with landscape installers George Cox & Sons Ltd for this transformative landscape project, using GreenBlue’s tree planting products including Rootspace G2, known for its in-built aeration lid for soil health and maximum capacity for soil volumes, side panels when necessary for additional loading, Root Director’s guiding the roots downwards to stop pavement upheave, ArborVent 150 and RootSoil20 to maintain long term healthy soil. Finished with a flush Castle Tree Grille ensuring the high-quality long-lasting impact above ground was present too.
Additionally, the scheme was designed with connecting tree pits, establishing a continuous rooting system. This design facilitates optimal growth conditions for the trees as well as seamlessly facilitates the flow of utilities throughout the cell infrastructure – a clear USP for RootSpace, often a concern for planners and installers.
Above all despite concerns the local authority has surpassed with the planning and implementation of the scheme, the trees will not ever need to be replaced and will reap benefits for generations to come.
The planting of ten trees along Cookson Street had significant environmental benefits. Despite these advantages, the project initially faced scrutiny towards the council regarding its cost implications.
However, a research study funded by GreenBlue Urban in November 2022 via Treeconomics using the I-tree Tool conducted a ‘Carbon Report’ with thorough analysis on the newly planted trees, stating that the carbon now stored per tonne was significant and thus the return-on-investment v long-term benefits to the community would be substantial….
The long-term benefits of tree planting outweigh the initial investment.
The urban canopy on these trees has visibly enhanced biodiversity, supporting local wildlife and creating a more vibrant ecosystem.
Beyond environmental advantages, the project generated social and economic benefits for the community. Despite initial concerns raised, the improved aesthetics along Cookson Street attracted more visitors, stimulating local businesses and boosting property values.
Collaboration with landscape installers George Cox & Sons Ltd for this transformative landscape project, using GreenBlue’s tree planting products including Rootspace G2, known for its in-built aeration lid for soil health and maximum capacity for soil volumes, side panels when necessary for additional loading, Root Director’s guiding the roots downwards to stop pavement upheave, ArborVent 150 and RootSoil20 to maintain long term healthy soil. Finished with a flush Castle Tree Grille ensuring the high-quality long-lasting impact above ground was present too.
Additionally, the scheme was designed with connecting tree pits, establishing a continuous rooting system. This design facilitates optimal growth conditions for the trees as well as seamlessly facilitates the flow of utilities throughout the cell infrastructure – a clear USP for RootSpace, often a concern for planners and installers.
Above all despite concerns the local authority has surpassed with the planning and implementation of the scheme, the trees will not ever need to be replaced and will reap benefits for generations to come.
