County lands cash to plant thousands of new trees

The cash will help people, wildlife and the planet, the Tree Council said

People will be able to help with hedgerow planting and nominate places for trees to be planted over the coming months, after a council was awarded cash to carry out the work.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) received nearly £36,500 from the Department for environment, Food and Rural Affairs through a fund operated by the Tree Council.

Trees will be planted in the heart of communities, including urban streets, after they were requested by residents, the council said.

Young trees will also be planted in green spaces, while existing hedgerows will be improved and new hedgerows planted to boost biodiversity.

Councillor Darren Cheshire said: "Trees and hedgerows make our towns and villages more attractive places to live, support local wildlife and provide peaceful, calming environments that are proven to support people's wellbeing."

He said the investment would help to ensure future generations could continue to enjoy "leafy" Warwickshire.

'Peace, shade and joy'

The Trees Outside Woodland scheme offers grants of up to £40,000 for councils and charities to grow trees on land the public can use.

Tree Council chief executive officer Sara Lom said: "Trees Outside Woodland are the trees we all come across most often – those in our parks, on our streets, and even the hedgerows that act as heritage highways for a rich array of wildlife."

She said cash awarded would benefit people, wildlife and our planet.

The council, which received £36,469.76 in total, said people will be able to help plant hedgerows at Ryton Pools Country Park.

Details on how to get involved – and how to nominate places to plant trees – are to be published in the coming months.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: "Trees bring us peace, shade and joy, and people feel deeply connected to them across the country."

She said the scheme would see thousands of trees planted, bringing "nature closer to people".