Global heating is caused by burning fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide. Trees play a crucial role in the fight against global heating because they store carbon. Not only do they help save the planet, but when planted in cities and towns they also absorb noise, reduce flood risk, provide shade in summer and are associated with general good health and wellbeing. As we’ve reported on before, growing up surrounded by green space has been found to improve mental health in adulthood.
Sir Harry Studholme, the Forestry Commission chair, said:
“This will allow us to plant more trees much closer to where people live and work and where the benefits of trees make the most difference. We look forward to lots of new planting happening this autumn.”
Michael Gove, the environment secretary, added:
“We need trees lining our streets, not only to green and shade them but to ensure we remain connected to the wonders of the natural world, which is why we must go further and faster to increase planting rates.”
Recently, more and more countries have been mass planting trees for all their wonderful benefits. India has planted billions in the past few years, and now England is joining in with a massive project to plant over 130,000 trees in English towns and cities. Their efforts are projected to be carried out over the next two years and serve as part of the nation’s battle against global heating.
Sir William Worsley, appointed the government’s “tree champion”, says the benefits of planting trees are “endless. Trees are the lifeblood of our nation, and it is more important than ever to ensure they are rooted not only in our countryside but in our towns and cities too.”
The scheme will be administered by the Forestry Commission. It will be open to individuals, local authorities, charities, and NGOs. Grants will be given to pay for the planting of trees and for the first three years of their care in order to ensure they flourish. Gove was happy to announce that grants for the plantings will be made available through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund.
How they plan to administer the grant money: A grant for planting a tree will be delivered as a challenge fund. This means that it will require matched funding from those who apply. A map will be available to check eligibility before applying. The scheme will support projects which are considered to be most likely to provide the greatest environmental and social benefits for as many people as possible.
Paul Nolan, chair of England’s Community Forests, said:
“We need to be planting many more trees over the next 25 years. So we welcome this new investment.”
Gove said:
“Trees are vital in the fight against climate change, which is why we must go further and faster to increase planting rates.”
