27th Feb 2026
A major green milestone has been reached at Linmere as, spade in hand, Alex Mayer MP planted the 2,000th new tree at the growing community.
The ceremonial planting took place on Phase Four of the Linmere development, featuring a Tilia cordata tree, commonly known as a small-leaved lime tree, chosen to reflect the origins of Linmere; the name Linmere comes from ‘Linmear’ which appears on a 1762 map of the area and means field of lime trees. The species will be one of 24 varieties, making up 890 trees on Phase Four alone, reflecting Linmere’s emphasis on biodiversity and generous, high-quality, green infrastructure.
The local MP, who recently led a Parliamentary debate on Britain’s young trees, was shown the tree irrigation system that is installed alongside the new trees. This helps them to thrive. In her Commons debate Ms Mayer highlighted that planting trees without proper aftercare “simply doesn’t work”. Nationwide around one in four new trees die within 12 months. By contrast, the Linmere development in Houghton Regis is gaining plaudits for its high success rates. More than 90% of trees planted at Linmere have survived.
Sam Smith, who leads the planting programme at Linmere, said the development’s success is rooted in careful species selection and rigorous maintenance. Twenty‑four native and climate‑resilient species suited to Bedfordshire’s soil have been chosen. There is a strong emphasis on soil preparation and regular watering during the crucial first year.
Ms Mayer commented:
“Chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Woods and Trees confirms my passion and commitment to drive green infrastructure over the coming decades and inspiring developers to embrace this. It’s encouraging to celebrate the planting of so many trees on a development still in delivery.”
Emma Farrier, Community Marketing Manager for Linmere, added:
“Creating a green environment to provide resident access to outdoor spaces, is a fundamental ambition of the Linmere project. Our tree planting strategy is carefully considered, using native, climate-resilient species, that also provide essential nutrients to encourage a thriving ecosystem for our native wildlife, such as birds, bats and insects.”
Sam Smith, Site Manager for Frosts Landscapes, working with the Linmere delivery team, commented:
“The tree we’re planting today, will be one of many lining a major avenue of the development, so many residents will get to enjoy the benefits. The species and maturity have been carefully chosen to provide seasonal cover by the time residents are moving into Phase Four, with green infrastructure already well-embedded.”
Alex Mayer MP is joined by the Linmere Delivery Team to welcome a ‘special resident’ to Linmere.
Linmere is building a place to live, not just homes to live in, where residents are only ever a few minutes from shared open green spaces. The 2,000th tree represents a key step towards delivering that vision, helping to shape a landscape that prioritises wellbeing, environmental sustainability and community connection.
Linmere is designed to be a place for communities that embraces the natural environment, and where all generations can enjoy a great quality of life. This exciting new collection of leafy and walkable neighbourhoods, situated north of Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, located close to M1 Junction 11a. Nestled into verdant surroundings, its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021. The Land Trust will maintain and preserve these spaces on behalf of Houghton Regis Management Company.
