Uttlesford benefits from scheme to plant more than one million trees in Essex in five years

Uttlesford’s rural environment has been enhanced thanks to a planting scheme which has delivered more than one million trees to Essex.

The district is one of 12 local authorities to benefit from an additional 297 acres (120 ha) of woodland and 35.4 miles (57km) of hedgerows planted by the Essex Forest Initiative and the Essex Forest Partnership.

The Essex Forest Initiative was Essex County Council’s (ECC) commitment to plant 375,000 trees between 2019 and 2025. In fact, it exceeded that figure by planting 476,200.

The Essex Forest Partnership comprises local authorities and has added 623,095 trees since 2020, bringing the total to 1,099,295 within the five-year commitment.

Widespread tree planting has been identified as one of the most effective ways of improving the Essex environment. It provides habitats for wildlife, increases biodiversity and improves resilience to climate change.

Cllr Peter Schwier, ECC cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said: “The trees planted will have a noticeable effect on the Essex environment in the years to come. As the trees grow, new habitats and green spaces will form, benefiting residents and wildlife.”