PEOPLE are being encouraged to look to the future following the coronavirus pandemic by planting a tree.
Warwick District Council wants to plant 160,000 trees – one for every resident living in the district.
And while it had developed the scheme before the pandemic, it says now is the perfect time to plant a tree and show ‘new beginnings’.
The council is working alongside the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, Warwick Tree Wardens, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, businesses, schools and community groups to encourage planting on private and council land including the new Tach Brook Country Park and Newbold Comyn.
Council programme manager for climate change, Dave Barber said: “The scheme is something everyone in our community can get involved with. In the coming months we will be working with a number of national and local groups and organisations on a campaign to encourage and support a variety of tree planting projects. This will include identifying land, unlocking grants and funding or helping to supply free Woodland Trust tree packs to local schools and groups.
“We hope the scheme will provide an opportunity for people to play a part in improving the district’s environment and at the same time tackling the impacts of climate change.”
Council environment spokesman coun Alan Rhead believes the scheme will help improve air quality in the district.
He said: “By declaring a climate emergency in 2019 our council demonstrated how serious we are about tackling the issues around climate change and the environment.
“This ambitious scheme is an opportunity for everyone from large businesses to individuals to play their part and have a real impact on reducing the effects of carbon emissions and improving air quality in our district. The planting of trees can also be seen as a symbol of hope and community spirit as we look to the future.”
