As part of plans to tackle climate change, town and parish councils in East Suffolk are being encouraged to plant trees in their communities.

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, East Suffolk Council has established an Environment Task Group which meets quarterly to consider what action needs to be taken to meet the Council’s challenging target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

One of the group’s first initiatives is to enable town and parish councils to plant trees in their local area.

Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment, said:

“Trees are essential in our fight against climate change as not only do they absorb carbon, they can help to reduce pollution levels and prevent flooding. Native woodland also provides a haven for wildlife.

Planting trees is a small but hugely effective way for communities to make a difference and we want to encourage people to get involved. It is however essential that planting takes place in appropriate locations, meaning the trees can be properly cared for and giving them the best chance of reaching maturity.”

Any town or parish council, or community group, wishing to plant trees is encouraged to contact their district councillor to determine whether there is any East Suffolk-owned land which would be suitable for planting. If land is not suitable for tree planting, it may be possible for the land to be allocated for rewilding or to become a wildflower meadow.

Tree planting schemes can be supported through East Suffolk councillors’ individual Enabling Communities Budgets, with trees available through third party organisations.

East Suffolk Council is supporting BBC Radio Suffolk’s ‘Planet Suffolk’ campaign which encourages people to create spaces for wildlife in their gardens and to get involved in other environmental activities.