Coventry residents, Patrick and Melanie, cherished a 200-year-old oak tree that sadly collapsed in October 2023. To honour its legacy, they sponsored a new oak through the Trees for Streets initiative.
REVIVING THEIR STREET
For 30 years, Patrick and Melanie have lived on the same street in Coventry, with a view – until last autumn – of a large heritage oak in their garden. At over 200 years old, the magnificent tree was part of an old estate and was one of the few veteran oaks left on their road.
Unfortunately, following some roadworks, the tree collapsed. Determined to honour its legacy, Patrick and Melanie chatted with Tim Wetherhill, the Urban Forestry Officer at Coventry City Council, about their options. Tim introduced them to the Trees for Streets project – a programme allowing individuals to sponsor the planting of new trees in their local area.
By completing a short form on the Trees for Streets website, Patrick and Melanie were able to sponsor a new oak for their road. Using an interactive map on the website, they placed a pin where the old tree had stood and made a donation. Once the council approved the location a few weeks later, their donation was accepted, and a few months later, the new oak was planted.
A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE
The old oak was more than just a landmark, it was vital to local wildlife. The acorns fed squirrels, the sturdy branches offered ideal nesting sites for birds, and the thick bark and leaves sheltered insects like beetles and moths, making the oak a hub of biodiversity.
“Our previous tree had breeding blue tits, great tits and pigeons,” Patrick recalled. “I often spotted nuthatches, woodpeckers, tree creepers and jays, numerous squirrels and thousands of insects. It was wonderful to see all these creatures.”
By sponsoring a new oak tree, Patrick and Melanie hope to revive this vibrant ecosystem and bring life back to their street.
GREEN UP YOUR STREET
Patrick and Melanie were enthusiastic about Coventry’s Trees for Streets scheme and would recommend anyone to get involved. If you’d like to green up your street, click here to find out if we work with your local council.
“The service was excellent, and our tree arrived healthy and cared for,” – Patrick Murphy
