South Ribble residents have received over 7,600 free trees under a council green scheme held at Worden and Withy Grove Parks.

On Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 January, South Ribble Borough Council offered planting and maintenance advice, hundreds of broad-leaf trees including birch, crab apple, and rowan, and thousands of mixed-species whips for hedging or woodland planting.

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After declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council set a target of 110k trees planted by 2025. With almost 90k already planted, the council hopes to reach their target ahead of schedule.

Read more: South Ribble Council promises progress after signing UK100 climate pledge

Councillor Mick Titherington, Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to see so many people attending the events and wanting to get involved in tree planting.

“Residents are contributing towards the target of 110k trees being planted in South Ribble by 2025 and the fight against climate change.

“We are well on our way to achieving the tree planting target with the help of residents, partners, community groups and schools, as well as the areas where we have been planting across the borough.” 

The council said they are undertaking a significant amount of planting in the coming months in St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall, Hurst Grange Park and at land off Croston Road, Leyland.

Read more: Penwortham schoolchildren receive 100 seedling Christmas trees

They recently provided around 4,500 trees to South Ribble primary schools as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme – which encourages people to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’. 

Councillor Titherington said: “The fight against climate change isn’t just about tree planting.

“As part of the Climate Emergency Action plan, we have recently audited our own estates, leading to the installation of solar panels, LED lighting and a new building management system (to improve energy efficiency) at the Leyland Civic Centre.

“We have also enhanced the electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the borough and are working towards improving energy efficiency in homes.” 

Read more: Ashton-on-Ribble hedgehog and bird rescue appeals for supplies

To view the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan, visit – southribble.gov.uk/ClimateChangeEmergency 

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