Bexhill becomes a Tree City of the World

Bexhill has joined 170 towns and cities globally that have received the accolade, Rother District Council has announced. 

Following a successful application by the council, the town has become the first place in Sussex and one of just 21 in the UK to receive the award. 

The programme, run by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, recognises cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed and celebrated.

Rother District Council applied for Bexhill to become a tree city of the world after the town participated in a project to "green" coastal towns and cities, which began in 2021.

The council said its aim was not only to enhance green spaces and improve air quality in coastal areas but also to offer residents training to build their environmental knowledge and learn tree-related skills. 

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With the help of many volunteers, by April this year more than 200 trees had been planted on Bexhill streets. A total of 1,500 whips were planted at Bexhill Down, 38 trees at Sidley Rec and nine trees at Southlands Open Space.

Councillor Kathryn Field, cabinet portfolio holder for environmental management, said: “Bexhill’s recognition as a Tree City Of The World follows much work by the council, its partners and many dedicated local volunteers to assess, protect and enhance tree cover in the town.

"Amongst other advantages, trees sequester carbon, provide habitats for nature, reduce air and noise pollution and encourage outdoor recreation which improves health and wellbeing.

"These climate, nature and health benefits make trees important assets for improving quality of life for our communities."

The full list of 21 places in the UK with the accolade is:

1. Barking and Dagenham
2. Bexhill
3. Birmingham
4. Bradford
5. Camden
6. Coventry
7. Ealing
8. Hull
9. Ipswich
10. Leeds
11. Middlesbrough
12. Newport
13. Portsmouth
14. Redbridge
15. Sheffield
16. Solihull
17. Stockton-On-Tees
18. Telford
19. Tower Hamlets
20. Welwyn Hatfield
21. Wrexham