Derbyshire County Council 'nudging ever closer' to one million tree target

A target by Derbyshire County Council to support the planting of a million trees across the county by 2030 is well within reach. The total on the Million Trees campaign totaliser has ticked over the half a million mark to 534,062 thanks to the efforts of partner organisations, residents, landowners and volunteers.

From single trees in back gardens to school yard orchards to community projects and large-scale plantings, it's all adding up and helping to boost the environment and tackle the effects of climate change. Stories have been told of trees planted to mark special times like the arrival of a new family member, moving to a new home or in memory of loved ones.

Trees are transforming waste land, creating wildlife havens and filling gaps in farmers' fields and existing woodlands. Others, like the planting of 70 fruit trees in Pinxton to mark the 70-year reign of the late Queen Elizabeth, will provide apples, plums, pears, cherries and damsons for the local community in years to come.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, the cabinet member for infrastructure and environment at Derbyshire County Council, said: "There have been some great efforts in support of our campaign, and we're nudging ever closer to our one million tree target, working with national bodies, community groups and residents. Thanks are due to all those giving their support through planting on their land, getting stuck in to volunteer or providing sponsorship.

"There have been some bigger projects by environmental bodies, but I am really pleased to see that of the half a million trees, more than 16,800 of these are down to the enthusiasm of residents to green their own local spaces. I am confident that we can reach our target in advance of 2030 and hope to get even more people involved."

There is still a way to go, so the county council has called on people to keep on planting. If you've planted a tree anywhere in Derbyshire since June 2021, it can be counted towards the million trees target. You can add your tree to the online map on the website. It is quick and easy to do, and you can read inspiring stories about why people have planted a tree and share your own story.

The Million Trees project is part of Derbyshire's journey to becoming a net zero county by 2050 or sooner. Planting trees brings considerable benefits to our ecosystems and society. They help with carbon absorption, flood protection and support for biodiversity, and the trees will naturally colonise, creating extra green spaces - in addition to established woodlands.

Additional tree planting also supports a wider project to protect and prioritise nature in Derbyshire. The county council is leading the Local Nature Recovery Strategy project to identify and describe biodiversity across Derbyshire and identify opportunities and priorities to support nature recovery.

The strategy will set out the long-term vision and action plan for local organisations, businesses, landowners and the public to work together to improve the natural environment across Derbyshire - and tree planting will play a key role in helping to boost biodiversity in the areas where it is most needed.

If you own land and are interested in planting more trees, the county council is offering support and advice. Get in touch via the website or email milliontrees@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Landowners on the eastern and southern fringes of Derbyshire can get financial support from the Government for tree planting as part of Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest - and trees planted within the community forest area can be counted towards the Million Trees target. Visit this website to find out more.

Local businesses and organisations can also get involved by sponsoring or contributing trees, planting on their property, staff volunteering and events. To find out more, visit the website here.