Brighton & Hove has always had a high population of Elm trees and currently has over 17,000. The 'Preston Twins' are located in the North section of Preston Park and are particularly special as they are widely considered the largest and oldest surviving English Elms in Europe.These two trees measure 6.8m in girth circumference, and are as much as 400 years old. They are also home to a colony of elm-dependent White-letter Hairstreak butterflies, a species which has been on the decline in areas that have suffered from Elm Disease. This endangered tree species live mainly in the treetops, and they are entirely reliant on the elm for food, stressing the importance of the tree. The Councils Arboricultural Service remain committed to containing Elm disease and extending the range of trees in the National Collection. They do this by safeguarding the mature Elm trees and seeking to extend the range of species as they become available.

How is this contributing to environmental citizenship?

This is contributing to environmental citizenship as it is an example of citizens helping to stop extinction and promote a wide range of biodiversity. The protection of the mature trees teaches younger citizens that it is important to protect nature where we can, so that they carry out similar processes when they are older.

References: http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/national-elm-collection