Trees planted to help preserve heritage of Sunderland's oldest suburb

Ashbrooke was Sunderland’s first suburb, created during Victorian times, and is typified by its tree-lined streets.

Indeed, trees are such an important part of the area’s aesthetic that many of the street names, such as The Elms and The Oaks, take inspiration from trees.

Now a project has taken place to help preserve the area’s greenery.

St Michael's ward councillors have funded the planting of 28 new trees in the Ashbrooke area to replace those removed in recent years. The trees are mainly Limes, but also include some Liquid Ambers and Norway Maples.

Cllr Robert Oliver said: “We’re replacing trees to recreate the tree-lined avenues that are very distinctive to the Ashbrooke area. We have found that during the last year, with people having to stay at home more and maybe taking some more daily exercise, there has been an increase in people being really interested in the local area and in the environment, and maybe on their daily walks noticing things that could be put right.

"So a lot of residents have been very helpful towards the councillors and have suggested environmental projects such as this one and others to improve and maintain the local area.”

Many of the Lime trees, the original trees used in the creation of the suburb, have been planted along Queen Alexandra Road, with others planted at streets including Bainbridge Avenue, Holme Gardens, Thornhill Gardens and Glenpath amongst others.

The trees have been funded by the council's Community Chest budget and have cost £3,000.

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