Cornwall Council is thanking everyone who has contributed to planting the Forest for Cornwall which has now reached a million trees.
Since the community planting programme started five years ago, volunteers, businesses, farmers, community groups, schools, landholders, town and parish councils and many more have all helped put trees in the ground in multiple places across Cornwall.
The Forest for Cornwall now spans approximately 1,000 hectares across woodland, parks, community spaces, gardens and farms, increasing nature for residents and absorbing CO2 emissions to slow climate change.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:
“We want to say thanks a million to everyone who has helped plant and look after the million trees we’ve established for the Forest for Cornwall which is enriching both our countryside and our communities. It’s an incredible feat and shows the exponential growth of this important project for a carbon neutral Cornwall.
“Our next target is 1,500 hectares by next spring as more farms are undertaking large-scale planting of trees, shrubs and hedges.
“Don’t forget to tell us about your tree-planting on our website and in these warmer months give your trees some extra water and start planning planting projects for the autumn.
“If you want to get involved in the Forest for Cornwall but don’t know where to start, take a look at our Forest for Cornwall web pages where you’ll get loads of ideas and inspiration.”
Some examples of the planting projects include:
– Agroforestry on the Lizard: Farms on the peninsula have planted 50 hectares of agroforestry projects this winter including 25 hectares at Rosuick Farm.
– Newquay: Residents have helped plant 54 trees in three streets, helping to transform roads into green avenues.
– Stithians School: Pupils and staff have planted a mini-forest to boost learning about nature.
– Bodmin Beacon: More than 11,000 trees have been planted on this seven-hectare site that is now open to the community.
– Bude Stratton School: Schoolchildren and members of the community planted 400 trees on the site to support wildlife and help tackle climate change.
– Cotehele: A rich 1.3 hectares of fruit and nut orchards for crop production are now establishing, including apples, cherries and apricots.
– Falmouth: Residents have helped to plant a new mini woodland of 500 trees at Prislow Fields, an open green space in the town.
Through the Woodland Creation Partnership, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Nature for Climate Fund, landholders can get finance and support for tree-planting on their land to contribute to healthier soils, food and shelter for livestock as well as homes for wildlife.
The Forest for Cornwall team have put together some tips for watering and looking after trees:
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