How Green Councillors Are helping Plant the Seeds of Change for a greener Tonbridge & malling

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. Our councillors are constantly listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and pushing for meaningful change—even when the cameras aren’t rolling. A shining example of this commitment is a borough initiative to fund and maintain trees on Tonbridge High Street, a project that aligns with our broader vision for a greener, more sustainable borough perfectly.

Why Trees Matter

Trees are more than just a pretty addition to our streets—they are vital for our health, wellbeing, and the environment. They clean the air we breathe, reduce urban heat, manage flood risks, and capture carbon, playing a crucial role in tackling climate change. In Tonbridge and Malling, where woodland cover stands at 17.6% (above the UK average of 13%), every tree planted brings us closer to our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

However, trees face numerous threats, from pests and diseases to vandalism and poor management. That’s why our Green Party councillors are committed to securing funding and supporting the council’s tree planting and maintenance initiatives, ensuring these vital resources thrive for future generations.

A Greener High Street

Tonbridge High Street is the heart of our community, and thanks to the efforts of Green Party councillors, it’s about to get a lot greener. Recognising the importance of tree-lined streets in enhancing urban environments, our councillors have successfully advocated for funding to plant and maintain trees along the High Street. This initiative is part of the broader Tonbridge and Malling Tree Charter, which commits to increasing tree coverage, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Councillors like Cllr Mark Hood and Cllr Paul Stepto have spent countless hours engaging with residents, understanding their concerns, navigating the complexities of council processes to secure the necessary funding and even funding some of the trees through member grants.

The funding for this project has also been secured through a combination of council budgets and external grants, including the Defra Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund. These grants allow the council to go beyond the current tree planting budget, ensuring that the trees are not only planted but also properly maintained.

The project also aligns with the Woodland Trust’s principles of “planting the right tree in the right place.” Native species will be prioritised to support local biodiversity, and the trees will be strategically placed to maximise their benefits, from cooling the High Street during summer heatwaves to improving air quality for shoppers and residents.

A Community Effort

This initiative isn’t just about the council—it’s about the community. Green Party councillors have worked closely with local groups, schools, and businesses to ensure that the project reflects the needs and aspirations of Tonbridge residents. By engaging with initiatives like The Queen’s Green Canopy and partnering with organisations like the Kent Local Nature Partnership.

Cllr Mark Hood emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating, “Trees are a gift to future generations. By working together, we can ensure that Tonbridge High Street remains a vibrant, green space for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.”

Looking Ahead

The planting of trees on Tonbridge High Street is just one step in our journey towards a greener borough. The Green Party remains committed to increasing tree coverage, protecting ancient woodlands, and supporting biodiversity through initiatives like Tiny Forests and Biodiversity Net Gain projects.

As part of the Climate Change Strategy 2020-2030, we will continue to explore funding opportunities, engage with local landowners, and work with developers to ensure that new developments include native trees and canopy coverage.

Working Hard, Every Day

This project is a perfect example of how Green Party councillors are Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. From securing funding to engaging with the community, our councillors are dedicated to making Tonbridge and Malling a fairer, greener, and more sustainable place for everyone.

If you have an idea for how we can make our borough even greener, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can plant the seeds of change.

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