Doncaster planting spree sparks 'Tree City' status

In April 2021, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones announced a plan to plant a million trees across Doncaster over ten years

A South Yorkshire city has been named as one of only 200 around the globe to be judged as a Tree City of the World.

The title was given to Doncaster by Tree Cities of the World, an organisation which encourages tree planting.

In the last year 7,500 trees were planted by schools in Doncaster, with 3,200 trees planted across council cemetery and crematoriums.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said she was "delighted" with the accolade.

In 2021 Ms Jones announced her ambition to plant a million trees in the city over the next 10 years to help combat climate change.

The city joins conurbations such as Buenos Aires, Mumbai and Hull on the list.

Doncaster council said 34,000 trees were also planted between November 2022 and March 2023

Councillor Mark Houlbrook, cabinet member for sustainability and waste, said: "I know first-hand how much work has gone into the planting of trees across the city".

Mr Houlbrook said he had met many people, "from rangers to schoolteachers to volunteers", who had all contributed to helping the city gain the title.  

"I want to thank everyone across the city for their efforts," he said.

A spokesperson for Tree Cities of the World, said: "Now more than ever, trees and forests are a vital component of healthy, liveable, and sustainable communities around the globe.

"Our programme is committed to inspiring cities and towns to care for and celebrate their urban tree canopy."