Members of the public are being asked to vote on which species of tree will be planted in two prominent locations at Weaste Cemetery in Salford this winter.
Environmental charity Red Rose Forest plans to plant a total of 11 trees trees at the cemetery, with nine of the trees chosen in partnership with the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust and Salford City Council.
The tree planting is being delivered as part of Red Rose Forest’s new Heritage Trees project.
Throughout November, members of the public are being asked to vote for which tree will be planted from a shortlist of three species.
Locals can choose from weeping beech, weeping willow and Indian horse chestnut, with the winning selection planted on two grassed roundabouts in the cemetery.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Heritage Trees project was set up earlier this year and will involve the creation of an online record of Greater Manchester’s tree heritage made up of people’s stories, memories and photos.
Lucy Holland, Heritage Trees Engagement Officer at Red Rose Forest, said: “Weaste Cemetery is used by the whole community so we would like to give everyone a chance to decide which trees we plant from a shortlist created with the Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust. The trees will be planted in the north east part of the cemetery and will have a plaque installed next to them which will say they were chosen by the public.
“These trees will become a welcome addition to the cemetery, making it an even nicer place for those visiting their loved ones’ graves or people just dropping in for some peace and a moment of reflection. Our Heritage Trees project isn’t just about celebrating our past – it’s also about creating the heritage trees of the future.”
To cast your vote email lucy@redroseforest.co.uk with your chosen tree and the reason you have picked it. Or write to Weaste cemetery tree competition, Red Rose Forest, 6 Kansas Avenue, Salford, M50 2GL.
Voting closes on November 30. Votes submitted after this date cannot be counted. Results will be announced w/c 7 December.
Main image by Anthony Mills.
