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 key urban challenges and enhance the town centre environment, Blackpool Council successfully applied for funding through the Quality Corridors Scheme. This forward-thinking initiative enabled the implementation of mature tree planting as part of a broader urban regeneration effort.
The scheme transformed the heart of Blackpool’s town centre through a blend of streetscape enhancements and environmental improvements. It delivered a revitalised public realm featuring sustainable drainage systems, improved traffic flow, and a more welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
A critical component of this project in particular was the careful selection of tree species, tailored to thrive in Blackpool’s urban coastal conditions. Key considerations included salt tolerance, wind resistance, and adaptability to both wet and dry conditions. Additional factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and visual impact were also evaluated to ensure long-term success and aesthetic appeal.
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 key urban challenges and enhance the town centre environment, Blackpool Council successfully applied for funding through the Quality Corridors Scheme. This forward-thinking initiative enabled the implementation of mature tree planting as part of a broader urban regeneration effort.
The scheme transformed the heart of Blackpool’s town centre through a blend of streetscape enhancements and environmental improvements. It delivered a revitalised public realm featuring sustainable drainage systems, improved traffic flow, and a more welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
A critical component of this project in particular was the careful selection of tree species, tailored to thrive in Blackpool’s urban coastal conditions. Key considerations included salt tolerance, wind resistance, and adaptability to both wet and dry conditions. Additional factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and visual impact were also evaluated to ensure long-term success and aesthetic appeal.
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!
Barcham Trees supplied ten trees – five Sea buckthorn and five 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.
Soil volume is fundamentally important because it serves as the foundation for long-term tree health and success in urban environments. GreenBlue Urban’s soil volume calculations are designed to support trees throughout their entire lifecycle, with volumes based on what trees will need when they reach maturity at 50 years old rather than their immediate planting requirements. This forward-thinking approach ensures that trees have sufficient root space to develop the extensive systems needed to support their full-grown canopies and achieve their species’ potential longevity.
Water management represents another crucial aspect of soil volume importance. Volume calculations are based on each species’ water storage needs, factoring in daily water demands over 10-hour periods and accounting for extended drought conditions of up to 35 days. This means adequate soil volume functions as a natural reservoir, allowing trees to survive dry periods without requiring constant irrigation or human intervention.
Perhaps most significantly, proper soil volume enables trees to become truly independent urban assets rather than high-maintenance installations. When trees have sufficient soil space, they can establish robust root systems that allow them to thrive without constant human support, ultimately delivering the full range of environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits that only mature, healthy trees can provide. This independence transforms urban trees from costly maintenance burdens into valuable, self-sustaining contributors to the urban ecosystem.
The trees supplied for Cookson Street 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!
Barcham Trees supplied ten trees – five Sea buckthorn and five 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.
Soil volume is fundamentally important because it serves as the foundation for long-term tree health and success in urban environments. GreenBlue Urban’s soil volume calculations are designed to support trees throughout their entire lifecycle, with volumes based on what trees will need when they reach maturity at 50 years old rather than their immediate planting requirements. This forward-thinking approach ensures that trees have sufficient root space to develop the extensive systems needed to support their full-grown canopies and achieve their species’ potential longevity.
Water management represents another crucial aspect of soil volume importance. Volume calculations are based on each species’ water storage needs, factoring in daily water demands over 10-hour periods and accounting for extended drought conditions of up to 35 days. This means adequate soil volume functions as a natural reservoir, allowing trees to survive dry periods without requiring constant irrigation or human intervention.
Perhaps most significantly, proper soil volume enables trees to become truly independent urban assets rather than high-maintenance installations. When trees have sufficient soil space, they can establish robust root systems that allow them to thrive without constant human support, ultimately delivering the full range of environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits that only mature, healthy trees can provide. This independence transforms urban trees from costly maintenance burdens into valuable, self-sustaining contributors to the urban ecosystem.
The trees supplied for Cookson Street 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 has delivered significant environmental benefits, though the project initially faced council scrutiny over cost implications.
However, a comprehensive research study funded by GreenBlue Urban in November 2022 validated the project’s value. Using the I-tree Tool, Treeconomics conducted a thorough ‘Carbon Report’ analysis of the newly planted trees. The study revealed substantial carbon storage per tonne, demonstrating that the long-term community benefits would far outweigh the initial investment.
Beyond carbon sequestration, the urban canopy has visibly enhanced local biodiversity, supporting wildlife and creating a more vibrant ecosystem. The evidence clearly shows that the long-term benefits of tree planting justify the upfront costs.
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 for this transformative landscape project, using GreenBlue Urban’s tree planting products including Rootspace, 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 and RootSoil 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. Above all, 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 has delivered significant environmental benefits, though the project initially faced council scrutiny over cost implications.
However, a comprehensive research study funded by GreenBlue Urban in November 2022 validated the project’s value. Using the I-tree Tool, Treeconomics conducted a thorough ‘Carbon Report’ analysis of the newly planted trees. The study revealed substantial carbon storage per tonne, demonstrating that the long-term community benefits would far outweigh the initial investment.
Beyond carbon sequestration, the urban canopy has visibly enhanced local biodiversity, supporting wildlife and creating a more vibrant ecosystem. The evidence clearly shows that the long-term benefits of tree planting justify the upfront costs.
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 for this transformative landscape project, using GreenBlue Urban’s tree planting products including Rootspace, 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 and RootSoil 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. Above all, the trees will not ever need to be replaced and will reap benefits for generations to come.
