Norwich is moving ahead with plans to significantly increase green space across the city, approving new funding to boost tree planting and strengthen biodiversity efforts. City councillors have allocated £45,000 this year to plant 100 mature trees as part of a broader strategy to reach 30% tree coverage across all 13 city wards.
Unlike saplings, the six-foot trees selected for planting are expected to have a more immediate impact on canopy coverage and urban cooling. The initiative forms part of a wider push to improve environmental quality, enhance public wellbeing, and make green infrastructure a more visible element of city planning.
In parallel, the council has backed additional investment in river-focused education and community engagement. A new programme will work with schools and local groups to raise awareness about water quality, pollution prevention, and the ecological importance of the River Wensum. Plans also include informational signage along the river and the potential development of a citywide river festival.
Together, the measures reflect a broader shift toward integrating green and blue spaces into urban policy, combining biodiversity goals with environmental education and community stewardship.