21/10/2026
What will the trees we plant today need to survive in 50 years’ time?
Councillors on a visit Wakehurst, home to some extraordinary research by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, learned how climate change is already affecting which trees can survive in southern England, why some of our most familiar species may struggle in future, and how scientists are researching the trees and plants that will support wildlife and pollinators as our climate changes.
Here in Adur, where tree canopy cover is just around 6%, these are really important questions. We need more trees, but we also need to make sure we’re planting the right trees, in the right places, for the climate of the future.
Councillor Becky Allinson said: “What I found particularly inspiring was the connection between the science and the decisions we make locally. Whether it’s new housing, regeneration, our parks and green spaces or our emerging Vision for Nature, we have an opportunity to think much more creatively about how we make our communities greener, healthier and more resilient.
“And perhaps the most interesting thing is that the scientists don’t yet have all the answers. This is research happening right now, and there may be opportunities for Adur to be part of putting that learning into practice.”
