COUNTY council chiefs have reinforced their tree planting pledge to help enhance the local environment and create at least two new woodland areas for residents and visitors to enjoy in years to come.
The County Council has now signed The Woodland Trust’s Tree Charter, a campaign that helps people to understand the values of trees and what they can do to help them.
Works have already begun to fulfil this pledge, as the Woodland Trust partnered with the County Council in December 2020 to create a new woodland near Blackstone Picnic Place in Bewdley, where over 3,000 trees were planted and there is more to come later this year.
The County Council has already incorporated and delivered many of the Tree Charter’s commitments in recent years such as promoting public accessibility to woodlands, protecting irreplaceable trees, planning greener landscapes and helping to sustain wildlife.
Councillor Tony Miller, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for the Environment, said: “I’m thrilled that Worcestershire County Council has officially signed the Tree Charter from the Woodland Trust.
“This is a positive step in the right direction and reaffirms our commitment to trees over the next five years on our own land. It is a real sign of the progress we are making in improving our local environment.
“I hope this inspires other organisations to join us in signing the Tree Charter and will pledge to protect their green spaces and leave a lasting green legacy for future generations.”
Nick Sandford, Regional External Affairs Officer at the Woodland Trust said: “We need more trees. We are in the midst of a climate and nature emergency and trees are natural warriors in the fight against both. Acknowledging and respecting the many benefits they can bring, whether that be improving air and water quality, slowing the flow of flooding, providing a habitat for wildlife or a space for people to enjoy, is important. That’s why we’re delighted Worcestershire County Council has signed up to the Tree Charter and has pledged to plant more woodland for their community.
“The Charter for Trees, Woods and People sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. Launched in 2017 by the Woodland Trust in partnership with around 70 other specialist organisations, it became a rallying cry to ensure the role of trees and woods in our lives could be visible and recognised in decision-making and practice.
With the help of the Woodland Trust, the County Council has committed to planting 150,000 trees across the county over the next five years.
