New survey launched to unlock tree planting opportunities across Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Council is inviting expressions of interest from those with land and large gardens available for tree planting, to help realise the ambition of the Bucks Tree Mission, which aims to plant over half a million trees by 2031 – one for every resident living in Buckinghamshire.
Almost half of the target has already been achieved, with 257,000 trees predominantly planted in new woodland created on council-owned land. Now, residents, business owners, public organisations, community groups, farmers and landowners are being invited to support the mission by taking part in a short survey. The survey aims to identify what support would be needed to unlock more tree planting opportunities across the county.
Anyone with land potentially suitable for tree planting is encouraged to complete a short, multiple-choice questionnaire that takes no more than three minutes to complete.
Participants can also sign-up to receive further information about future funding opportunities and tree giveaways, as well as planting and maintenance advice and guidance on which species are best suited to their location.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, Ade Osibogun, said:
“As well as contributing to improved air quality and environmental sustainability, trees provide a wide range of ecosystem benefits, including habitat creation, biodiversity enhancement, flood mitigation, and improved access to green space for our communities.
“We plant trees with funding and support from the Forestry Commission, Forestry England and the Woodland Trust, and I’m delighted to share that later this year we will be piloting a tree giveaway. Two packs will be available to landowners: one designed for building or gapping-up hedgerows, and a smaller pack aimed at parish councils, environmental groups, or for use in field margins or to establish a shelter belt.
“I’d encourage anybody interested in planting trees on their own land to take part in the survey, so we can better understand how to support tree planting across the county and move closer to achieving the ambitions of the Bucks Tree Mission.”
Any enquiries relating to the project should be emailed to [email protected]