Twenty-eight trees have been planted around Rochester, acknowledging the carbon generated by a temporary diversion during the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project.
The diversion was required when an area of Rochester Esplanade had to be closed to carry out drainage works under the carriageway.
Rochester Bridge Trust planted the native trees with the support of FM Conway, Lead Contractor for the refurbishment project. The Trust worked with Medway Council, MHS Homes, Watts Almshouses and the Foord Almshouses to identify locations along the route of the diversion.
Peter Moore, Contract Manager at FM Conway, oversaw the planting, which was arranged by Louise Chenery, a trainee engineer who was an apprentice within the contractor team for the refurbishment. Peter said: “These trees are symbolic of the carbon reduction efforts of all involved in Rochester Bridge, and it means a lot to me to be part of the team carrying out the planting along the diversion route.”
Locations of the new trees include Shorts Way, Maidstone Road, St Margaret’s Street and the two almshouses.
Derek Butler, Junior Warden at the Trust, joined in the planting at the two almshouses. He said: “Since the very first bridge was constructed at Rochester, trees have been an important part of our history. Back then they were appreciated for their strength as a building material. Today we also understand their importance in carbon storage and improving the quality of the environment around us. I look forward to watching these trees grow, standing as a reminder that every little action can make a difference in the battle against climate change.”
The 28 trees planted comprised beech, birch, hawthorn, oak, rowan, spindle and whitebeam. They are part of the Trust’s wider effort to offset all the carbon generated by the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project, which includes the planting of more than 8,000 tress to create Wardens’ Wood.
