Hundreds of new trees will 'improve air quality'

Newly planted trees at the Greenway recreation Ground in Taunton

Nearly 700 mature trees are being planted in parks and green spaces to improve a county's air quality, a council has said.

Somerset Council has received £500,000 government funding for the scheme, which is taking place until the end of the tree planting season in March.

The grant will also pay for the trees to be maintained for the next three years.

Councillor Graham Oakes, portfolio holder for the environment and climate change, said: "We're doing this because we need more trees. We only have tree cover of 8% and the national average is 13%."

Benefits will include improving air quality, reducing road noise and absorbing water to reduce the risk of localised flooding, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Of the 671 trees which are being planted in Somerset, 135 will be fruit-bearing, with the remainder being a mixture of native broad-leaf and non-native species.

Taunton will receive most of the trees, which will be distributed across Lyngford Park, Leslie Avenue, Victoria Park, Galmington Recreation Ground, Priorswood Football Field, Hamilton Park, Penny's Field, Taunton Green and Hawthorn Park (Upper Holway).

Mayor of Taunton Vanessa Garside helps to plant a wild cherry tree at Taunton Green

A further 100 trees will be coming to Yeovil, shared between Lower Milford, Milford Park, Oak Tree Park and Yew Tree Park, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Castle Cary will receive 74 trees, shared between its cricket ground and Fairfield, while 46 trees will be planted at the Somerton Recreation Ground.

Mr Oakes said: "This initiative is another step towards enhancing our green spaces and a significant move towards ensuring cleaner air and a healthier environment for our communities."