by Connor Bacon
Thousands of trees are set to be planted in 17 places in Derbyshire as part of efforts to transform the area and tackle climate change.
The first of more than 47,000 trees will be planted by the end of March, to mark the creation of Derbyshire’s new Heartwood Community Forest.
The project is described by Derbyshire County Council’s member for infrastructure and environment, Carolyn Renwick, as “an opportunity for landowners of all kinds to improve the natural environment and help tackle climate change.”
The aim is to make communities, farms and businesses more attractive and naturally diverse, as well as bringing communities in more urban areas closer to nature.
The trees will be planted on 43 hectares of land across 17 sites, ranging from a major business park by the M1 to a canal side wharf in Pinxton.
The landowners will have 100% of the cost of planting the trees covered, along with their ongoing maintenance for the next 15 years.
The council has set a target of 130 hectares of land for the next planting season and are encouraging anyone with suitable land, whether small or large, to get in touch.
Ms Renwick, speaking at the Hepthorne Lane tree planting site near Grassmoor Country Park last week said: “We’ve set ourselves ambitious planting targets.
“And, while we’re off to a great start, we really need private landowners, farmers and communities with even the smallest parcels of land to come forward and find out more about our generous, hassle-free tree planting plants and support.
“Whether its people wanting to enhance their land, businesses looking to go green or communities who want to improve their green spaces, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest is an opportunity for landowners of all kinds to improve the natural environment and help tackle climate change.”
