Bournemouth Water has celebrated National Tree Week by highlighting the importance trees play in the water ecosystem.

The company has planted more than 2,300 trees over the last 12 months, including at Longham Lakes, with plans for more at its Stanbridge Water Treatment Works during the current winter planting season.

By 2030 the South West Water group, including Bournemouth Water, hopes to have planted 300,000 trees.

Bournemouth Water’s sites host an array of different woodlands and trees. They provide a home to countless species, protect the natural environment and play an essential role in the provision of fresh water.

The deep roots of the trees can access more water in the soil for transpiration, the process by which water is released through leaves into the atmosphere to help produce clouds.

Tree canopies are also effective at intercepting rain and buffering wind, creating a humid microclimate for plants and other wildlife.

Trees also play a vital role in the areas of land surrounding rivers, streams and other water bodies – stabilising banks, preventing erosion and reducing sedimentation.

Richard Stanbrook, Bournemouth Water’s Director of Drinking Water Services, said: “The water ecosystem is a delicate one.

“Trees play an important part in protecting it, helping to ensure we can continue to provide quality drinking water for our customers.

“We’re therefore planting more trees on our land over the next year, which will also help us to meet our target to be net zero by 2030.”

Gemma Morgan, Bournemouth Water’s Environment Officer, added: “Trees are not just nature’s water managers, they also create new habitats and increase biodiversity.

“That’s why we’re proud to have plans to plant 300,000 trees in the wider South West Water group, including Bournemouth Water, by 2030.”

National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration.

Each year, the country’s conservation sector, volunteer groups and tree-lovers come together to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the tree planting season.

This year the week was held from November 25 to December 3.

• bournemouthwater.co.uk

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