On Friday 6 March, we held a community tree planting event at the Phoenix Centre in Hartlepool, where local residents, primary pupils, students, project partners and funders came together to celebrate the first planting season of our multi-partner Tree Equity for Hartlepool project.

Through the rain and cold weather, 220 trees were planted at the site, representing frontline climate action and the community's ambition to transform their neighbourhood!

At the heart of this ambitious project is bringing the people of Hartlepool together to make transformative change to their neighbourhoods, where tree canopy cover is currently amongst the lowest in England.

This wouldn't be possible without support from the community, driving invaluable change. We were delighted to present a number of awards on the day in recognition of their support!

The Hidden Roots Award was awarded to residents of Elwick Grange Care Home for sharing their personal stories of Hartlepool’s natural heritage. Pupils from Clavering Primary School received the School of the Season Award for their enthusiasm and hands-on commitment to planting.

Welding apprentices at Hartlepool College of Further Education were named Young Tree Champions for creating a bespoke welded tree sculpture, and several local residents were recognised for their outstanding volunteer hours supporting community planting days. Community group Play Out Hartlepool also received the Project Advocate award for championing the project since its inception.

Why we're planting in Hartlepool

Hartlepool currently has one of the lowest Tree Equity Scores of any local authority area in England, meaning residents miss out on the many benefits that trees provide. The Tree Equity for Hartlepool project is a UK-first in using a town-wide approach with the Tree Equity Score UK tool to plant trees where they can make the biggest difference.

As the trees planted in Hartlepool mature, establish and thrive, they will help to clean and cool the air, support wildlife and improve the health and well-being of the local community!

To date, the project has connected more than 1,300 local residents with nature through planting days, workshops and community activities. Over 2,500 trees have already been planted across 5.92 hectares, with further planting plans in place for the next season as Hartlepool prepares to achieve recognition through the Tree Cities of the World scheme.  

Launched back in March 2025, the Tree Equity for Hartlepool project is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Linbury Trust, and is delivered in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, The Woodland Trust, Thirteen, Treeconomics, and Tees Community Forest.