Haywards Heath Tree Warden Alan Colgate was awarded an Elm Tree, as the local Tree Wardens celebrated 30 years of volunteering for their trees.

Haywards Heath Town Councillor and Chair of Haywards Heath, Sandy Ellis, was one of the first people to congratulate Haywards Heath resident, Alan Colgate, when he was awarded one of the 30 commemorative trees by the Council. Alan was one of the first volunteers to sign up with the West Sussex Tree Warden Network, which started off with a few people volunteering.

Cllr Sandy Ellis comments “I want to personally thank Alan and all the Tree Wardens throughout the country who have given millions of hours caring for our trees. Their commitment working with local authorities and community groups has helped create our beautiful green corridors which improve air quality and offer people the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Congratulations to Alan and the Tree Council. His Elm Tree, Ulmus New Horizon, which is resistant to Dutch elm disease, has now been planted in Beech Hurst Gardens.”

Julie Bolton, Co-ordinator of the West Sussex Tree Wardens’ Network, added “I’m delighted that Alan applied for one of the commemorative elm trees and was successful. It recognises his continued commitment to the tree warden role locally, and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the West Sussex network this year.”

The Tree Council mission is to care for trees, the environment and our planet’s future. Visit their website at treecouncil.org.uk, email info@treecouncil.org.uk or call 020 7407 9992.