The Forest for Cornwall has reached a key milestone of more than 600,000 trees planted since it was launched four years ago – the equivalent of a tree for every resident in Cornwall.
Since Cornwall Council launched the community planting programme in 2019 volunteers, businesses, farmers, community groups, schools, landowners, town and parish councils and many more have all helped put trees in the ground and increasing tree cover.
The Forest for Cornwall now spans approximately 600 hectares across woodland, parks, community spaces, gardens and farms improving residents’ access to nature and absorbing carbon emissions to help slow climate change.
Over the summer months the council is calling on residents to keep watering and looking after the trees they have planted as well as start planning for the next planting season this autumn.
As more farms are undertaking large-scale planting of trees, shrubs and hedges, the council’s Forest for Cornwall team have set a new target to reach a million trees by 2025 which would be a significant step in getting to 8,000 hectares by 2030.
Through the Woodland Creation Partnership funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Nature for Climate Fund farmers 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.
Woodland Creation Partnership Funding
Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:
“Everyone who has put on their wellies and helped put trees in the ground or planned activities for our Forest for Cornwall should be really proud that they contributed to this important project to tackle climate change and bring more nature into our communities.
“Reaching more than 600,000 trees across Cornwall is no mean feat and I want to thank everyone for doing their bit for the Forest for Cornwall.
“But it doesn’t stop there. Now that summer is in full swing, watering trees properly is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and stress-free. And now’s also the best time to start planning planting projects for the autumn, so 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.
“Don’t forget to tell us about your tree-planting on our website."
Tell us about the trees you've planted
The Forest for Cornwall team have put together some tips for watering and looking after trees:
- Regular watering is important for newly planted trees
- Remove weeds and grass from around the tree by hand
- Check stakes, ties and guards to see if they need adjusting
- Keep mulch levels topped up around the tree to help prevent soil drying out and reduce weed growth
More tips on looking after newly planted trees.
Story posted July 28, 2023