Cornwall Celebrates One Million Trees Planted in Green Push

Cornwall Council is celebrating a significant environmental achievement as the Forest for Cornwall project reaches its goal of planting one million trees.

Since the community planting programme started five years ago, a diverse array of volunteers, businesses, farmers, community groups, schools, landholders, and local councils have united to enhance green spaces across Cornwall.

A Green Transformation Across Cornwall

The Forest for Cornwall now covers approximately 1,000 hectares, encompassing woodlands, parks, community spaces, gardens, and farms. This extensive green expansion aims to boost local biodiversity and combat climate change by absorbing CO2 emissions.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, expressed his gratitude: “We want to say thanks a million to everyone who has helped plant and look after the million trees we’ve established for the Forest for Cornwall which is enriching both our countryside and our communities. It’s an incredible feat and shows the exponential growth of this important project for a carbon neutral Cornwall.”

Growing Ambitions: Next Steps for the Forest for Cornwall

The project’s ambition doesn’t stop at one million trees. The next target is to cover 1,500 hectares by next spring. With more farms taking up large-scale planting of trees, shrubs, and hedges, this goal seems within reach.

Councillor Alvey encouraged continued involvement: “Don’t forget to tell us about your tree-planting on our website and in these warmer months give your trees some extra water and start planning planting projects for the autumn. 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.”

Community Efforts and Success Stories

Several local projects illustrate the diverse efforts contributing to the Forest for Cornwall:

• Agroforestry on the Lizard: This winter, farms on the Lizard Peninsula planted 50 hectares of agroforestry, including 25 hectares at Rosuick Farm.
• Newquay: Residents transformed three streets into green avenues by planting 54 trees.
• Stithians School: Pupils and staff created a mini-forest to enhance their learning about nature.
• Bodmin Beacon: Over 11,000 trees were planted on this seven-hectare site, now accessible to the community.
• Bude Stratton School: Schoolchildren and community members planted 400 trees to support local wildlife and combat climate change.
• Cotehele: A 1.3-hectare orchard of fruit and nut trees, including apples, cherries, and apricots, is now flourishing.
• Falmouth: Residents planted a new mini woodland of 500 trees at Prislow Fields, enhancing the town’s green spaces.

Support and Funding for Tree Planting

The Woodland Creation Partnership, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Nature for Climate Fund, offers financial support and resources for landholders to participate in tree planting. This initiative aims to improve soil health, provide food and shelter for livestock, and create habitats for wildlife.

Tips for Tree Care

The Forest for Cornwall team advises the following for caring for newly planted trees:

• Regular watering is crucial.
• Remove weeds and grass around the tree by hand.
• Check and adjust stakes, ties, and guards as needed.
• Maintain mulch levels around the tree to prevent soil drying out and reduce weed growth.

Cornwall Council continues to encourage the community to get involved and contribute to this green revolution. For more information and to share your tree-planting efforts, visit the Forest for Cornwall web pages.