Almost 200 trees are to be planted in urban spaces within the National Forest as part of a new programme.
The trees, which will stand over two metres tall, will grace parks, housing estates and allotments from Newhall to Ashby to Measham.
The trees are being funded in part by the National Forest Company’s programme development fund to which South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire district councils have applied for a cash boost.
Bob Wheeler, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “Here in South Derbyshire we are very proud of our position right at the heart of the National Forest and we’re keen to welcome any scheme that encourages the expansion of woodland coverage.
“It’s reassuring for our urban areas that new tree planting is not limited to rural destinations.
“We’re committed to making every corner of the district more attractive for those living, working and visiting here and this latest scheme will help us to progress that vision.”
Trees will be planted in a number of parks including Maurice Lea Memorial Park, in Swadlincote.
In addition, many more trees will bring a ‘forest feeling’ to housing estates in Woodville, Walton, Moira and several other sites.
In most cases, the trees will be planted by schoolchildren with assistance from district and parish councils.
Philip Metcalfe, green infrastructure and planning officer for the National Forest Company, said: “The National Forest has been created through the planting of more than eight million trees since the early 1990s.
“The planting of further trees within our towns and villages helps to demonstrate that the urban areas are as much a part of the forest as the hundreds of woodlands that have been created through all the varied landscapes of the whole 200 square miles of the forest.”
