MORE than six thousand trees are to be planted across the borough by Cheshire East Council during the current planting season, and residents and businesses are being encouraged to do the same.

In May 2019 a notice of motion was backed by a unanimous vote at full council calling for a commitment to the target of Cheshire East Council being carbon neutral by 2025.

The tree-planting initiative will support this motion as each tree planted has the potential to capture around one tonne of carbon over its lifetime.

Councillor Nick Mannion said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that we are planting so many trees across our borough. Trees play a vital role in our environment. Not only do they produce oxygen, they also help to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions we create every day.

“Planting trees is one measure we can all take, where possible, to reduce our carbon footprint. We are also asking our community groups, schools, residents and businesses to plant a responsibly sourced tree and nurture it.”

Tatton Park is hosting a tree planting day on Saturday, March 14, where you can volunteer to help. Find out more by visiting the park’s website.

Councillor Quentin Abel, Cheshire East Council’s climate change champion, said: “I’m really pleased with this initiative.

“I would like to congratulate our officers at Cheshire East for making it possible to plant the 6,000 trees this side of the growing season.

“The care and attention to detail that has been put in place, should result in an approximately 80 per cent increase in growth rate - with all the advantages and benefits this provides to all our communities.”

For advice and guidance on buying a tree, including an online shop, visit the Woodland Trust website at woodlandtrust.org.uk and select ‘plant trees’.