Vandals destroy trees in Borehamwood as part of planting programme

Vandals struck multiple times in Borehamwood, stealing or destroying a quarter of newly planted trees in the town.

The council says just under a third of 175 planted whips to create new woodland in the town's parks were also vandalised.

It comes as a councillor with environmental responsibilities hailed the tree planting programme being undertaken by Hertsmere Borough Council.

The council is planting more than 1,000 trees this year as part of a scheme to increase the borough's tree population - and this will be the highest number of trees planted in a single season in recent years.

Cllr Seamus Quilty said: "This is excellent news. Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment, and they’re a hugely important part of our plans to address the climate emergency.

"Trees are a powerful ally; they can help by reducing carbon dioxide levels and flood risk, moderating extremes of temperature, and improving air quality.

"They also provide habitat for many species, supporting biodiversity in the borough."

Aberford Park, Borehamwood

In 2020, the council planted 66 trees – including plant saplings of oak, alder, hornbeam, rowan, field maple and goat willow - in Borehamwood parks, predominantly Aberford Park.

Of these, 25 per cent were vandalised or stolen.

Councillor Quilty said: "I am so disappointed these trees have been mindlessly destroyed.

"We have to remove trees due to a variety of reasons, but we aim to replenish and add to our tree stock to ensure habitats for wildlife, improve our green spaces as well as part of our climate change programme to achieve net-zero carbon emissions no later than 2050. It’s upsetting that much of our hard work has been destroyed.

"The trees planted elsewhere in the borough have been left alone, but unfortunately all the damage carried out has taken place in Borehamwood."

Cllr Seamus Quilty

Last year, the council planted a total of 150 trees in Aberford Park, along with 100 trees and shrubs in King George Recreation Ground in Bushey, and 500 trees in Furzefield Woods in Potters Bar to restock the woodland, as well as 71 trees across other parks and open spaces.

This year, the council will be planting 500 whips in Furzefield Woods in Potters Bar, 500 whips to replace those trees that have failed and to increase the size of small woodland blocks within parks across the borough, and 72 new trees across Hertsmere's other parks and open spaces.