A bitter row over a community tree planting scheme looks set to rumble on, with opponents slamming the work as a 'media stunt' after the majority of saplings died off.

The Queen's Canopy Campaign saw Rainham councillors work alongside children from The Howard School and Leigh Academy to plant 135 trees on land around Rainham, including Rainham Recreation Ground and Cozenton Park, in December last year.

But the project proved controversial from the start, when volunteer group The Friends of Rainham Rec stated the trees had been planted in the wrong place and without proper consultation.

More than half a year on, the arguments have intensified with opponents stating only five trees out of 36 saplings are alive at Cozenton Park, and 13 out of 32 have survived at Rainham Recreation Ground.

Rainham North Cllr Martin Potter (Con), has since defended the scheme stating a degree of natural attrition was expected with young seedlings, but that vandals and dry weather conditions had not helped.

He said those trees that did survive were likely to be more resilient in the future, and called on the community to support efforts to improve the environment.

Nevertheless, opponents are unlikely to be won over so easily.

Liz O'Hanlon of the Rainham Eco Hub, wrote to Cllr Potter to say she was sad so many of the young saplings - or 'tree whips' - had died, and to highlight concerns over the scheme. She claimed they had been "planted outside of Woodland Trust's advice on planting season", something Cllr Potter has contested.

"I had suggested the whips be moved in spring as we understood that no watering schedule had been agreed with Norse for these whips," she said. "We had offered to find suitable homes for them, but sadly this offer was declined.

They were also very exposed with no access to shade.

"As we are in Medway Council’s Climate Emergency I am really disappointed that this has been the outcome for the trees. Climate action needs more than social media photographs, it needs meaningful, joined up, honest large scale action.

"I am also disappointed that what I suggested would happen, has happened. I will try to collect up the plastic wraps to save additional waste from blowing off the dead trees."

She also said children invited to the photo shoot had not been involved in looking after the trees and said she would be writing to The Howard School and Leigh Academy to update them offer to speak at an assembly about the subject.

She added: "Teachers who have have seen the whips at Cozenton and Rainham Rec, have advised us that students will need to understand trees being planted outside of season, with no watering plan - is absolutely not the solution to climate change, in a climate emergency.

"With actions such as the whip planting, The Climate Change action plan from Medway Council is undermined and alongside other actions and inactions, is starting to lack public credibility.

"In times of climate crisis and hard times on families, every penny counts and we can’t waste money planting trees and not looking after them."

Cllr Potter disputed the number of dead trees, stating that while only a small number were flourishing, just over half the trees at Rainham Rec and just under half at Cozenton Park were showing signs of health.

He said December had been the ideal time to plant the trees – the Woodland Trust advices to plant between November and March – and there had been an "incredible effort" to look after the saplings.

Cllr Potter added: "The trees have been well cared for following guidance from the Woodland Trust, and although you would still expect natural attrition for a variety of factors, a significant number have been pulled out or knocked over after planting.

"The novelty of tampering with the trees has largely worn off now, but unfortunately a lot of damage was done despite best efforts to replant and restake them.

"The challenge of the record dry spell and heat has meant the saplings have been watered since June to get them through. In normal periods you wouldn't expect to water the small saplings, but the extended dry period meant it was best to water the established saplings.

"Despite personally enjoying the warmer weather it's felt like we've quite literally been battling climate change at times, fortunately the established saplings will be much more resilient in future years if we do see a repeat.

"They cost us £3.59 each including stake and guard tube so when you compare to a cost of at least £400 per standard tree, which requires extensive intense watering for years, it’s a no brainer to try saplings even if only a certain amount go onto maturity."

Responding to suggestions the project was a publicity stunt, Cllr Potter noted the project was part of a wider scheme in which all local schools were invited to take part.

Furthermore the project had involved follow-up engagement with schools, and said no issues had been raised.

He said battling the destruction caused by vandals had been disheartening enough, but called on the wider community to support the project, adding:

"What I would like to see, and this is very much the approach I take as the council's climate engagement lead, is people thanked and supported for their best efforts rather than denigrated, as this turns people away from getting involved in the environmental agenda."

But Liz O'Hanlon maintained the action was a "media stunt", and added: "I understand some challenges with the councillors in Rainham have sadly halted green space renovation progress with the two green space community groups

"It’s really sad how political gesturing appears to be masking a lack of meaningful action to combat global climate change and poor air quality in our town. The climate change action plan is starting to lack any public credibility."