Petition to: Dacorum Borough Council

Our town is changing, and the effects of rising temperatures are becoming harder to ignore. Summers in the UK are now reaching 30-40°C far more often than they used to, and the Met Office shows these extreme heatwaves are becoming increasingly common. Many neighbourhoods in Hemel Hempstead have long stretches of pavement, roads, and concrete with very little shade or greenery to soften the heat.

This isn’t just uncomfortable, it affects people, wildlife, and the overall wellbeing of our community.

Tree‑lined streets make a real, measurable difference. Urban trees can reduce street temperatures by several degrees, provide essential shade, improve air quality, support birds and insects, reduce flooding, and make neighbourhoods feel calmer and more welcoming. Even a single tree supports hundreds of species and helps restore balance to our local environment.

Right now, many areas of Hemel Hempstead feel like concrete corridors rather than green, living spaces. Planting more street trees would help cool our neighbourhoods, support biodiversity, and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives here.

I am asking Dacorum Borough Council to:

• Review local streets and identify areas suitable for new tree planting

• Prioritise neighbourhoods with little shade or greenery

• Expand existing tree‑planting schemes or create new ones

• Work with residents to choose appropriate species that support local wildlife

This is a practical, achievable step that would benefit people, animals, and the environment. Small actions add up when people make them, and planting trees is one of the simplest, most effective ways to create a healthier, more resilient town.

Please support this petition and help make Hemel Hempstead a greener, cooler, and more nature‑friendly place to live.