More than 80,000 trees planted to expand woodland

More than 80,000 trees have been planted during the second season of an initiative to expand woodland across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest planted the trees across 60 hectares at 47 sites, stretching from Dronfield to Draycott.

The sites range from schools, farms and heritage sites across eastern, north-eastern and southern Derbyshire and Derby.

The Derbyshire County Council-led project, funded by the government, rooted more than 47,000 trees last year, and planning is under way for the third planting season in October.

The council said tree planting brings a range of benefits, from improving biodiversity to supporting farming, enhancing landscapes, and creating new green spaces for communities.

The authority said one of the largest planting sites this year - covering 17.4 hectares - was at Brownhouse Farm, a family farm near Wirksworth.

At Heage Primary School, pupils and staff planted more than 400 trees with the aim of creating new shade, wildlife habitats, an orchard and an extended forest school area.

More than 12,000 trees, including pinetum, broadleaf and cherry species, were planted at the National Trust site, Sudbury Hall, to create new areas for visitors.

Carol Wood, cabinet member for environment at the council, said it had been a "fantastic" second season.

"We've planted 47 sites with more than 80,000 trees and 4.69 miles of hedgerow, underpinning our commitment to protect and improve our environment and public spaces," she said.

People including landowners, businesses and community groups, are being urged to get involved in the project for the third season later this year.

The council said they will have access to fully funded support for woodland and hedgerow creation, including design, planting and maintenance for up to 15 years.

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