Borough branches out with army of 10,000 trees to tackle climate change
Test Valley Borough Council is set to plant around 10,000 trees this autumn and winter in a bid to help tackle climate change and improve the environment.
Their new homes will include Valley Park woodlands, Hunts Farm, Harewood, Anton Lakes, Swattons Field, Ox Drove and Picket Twenty urban park.
After declaring a climate emergency in September 2019, the authority has also sought to crack down on its CO2 emissions by putting in place a range of new measures, including increasing its electric vehicle fleet. Earlier this year they also adopted a policy to create more urban meadows, providing valuable habitat for insects and birds.
The news comes hot on the heels of the Andover Climate Day of Action on 25 June, when partners from across the town came together to make pledges to tackle climate change and share their tips on going green.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “The changes we make now will have an impact on generations to come. So, it is absolutely crucial that we do everything in our power to tackle carbon emissions and help nature to heal, boosting biodiversity and countering climate change. With the help of partners, it’s our ambition, if we can identify appropriate land, to plant a similar number of trees in each of the next three years.”