A retirement community has launched a tree and hedgerow planting initiative to restore and enhance the nature in the area.

Burnham Waters, an ecology-focused retirement community currently in development in Burnham-On-Crouch, has announced the launch of its tree and hedgerow planting initiative.

This endeavour aims to bring numerous benefits to the surrounding environment and promote ecological improvements, with a focus on biodiversity.

Read more:

By actively planting trees and creating hedgerows, Burnham Waters is taking significant steps to 'restore and enhance' the nature in the area.

In addition to trees, Burnham Waters' emphasis on hedgerows offers further advantages.

Hedgerows serve as natural barriers and windbreaks, protecting landscapes from erosion and wind damage.

They also provide essential shelter and food sources for wildlife, while acting as 'transport corridors' that link different habitats, facilitating movement and enabling diverse species to thrive within the development.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Burnham Waters’ project director, Ian Holloway, said: "We are excited to share that our tree planting activities are currently underway.

"For this phase, we have carefully chosen a diverse range of trees to be planted, including Silver Birch, Ornamental Pear, Common Hornbeam, English Oak, Wild Cherry, and Himalayan Birch.

"These trees, which have all been agreed as part of the town planning process will not only enhance the visual appeal of the area but also contribute to its environmental sustainability.

"In total, we will be planting 163 trees as part of this phase alone.

"Additionally, we are incorporating 200 meters of an instant native hedge, standing at an impressive height of 1.8 meters.

"It is important to note that these plantings represent just a fraction of the trees planned for the entire phase of our development.

"By planting these trees and hedges, we are taking a significant step towards creating a greener and more sustainable community.

"The presence of these trees will not only provide aesthetic beauty but also result in a biodiversity net gain, by contributing to the well-being of the ecosystem, supporting wildlife, and improving the overall quality of the area."