£250,000 for boosting amount of trees in Norfolk
There has been a decline of trees over recent years in the county
Last updated 22nd Mar 2021
More than a quarter of a million pounds is being given to a three-year project to boost the amount of trees in Norfolk.
It's hoped the money from the government will help improve local biodiversity and mitigation of climate change.
Nationally, trees outside woodlands have seen accelerating losses, driven by pressures from pests and diseases, and long-term neglect and decline.
The Boosting Community Tree Nurseries project will find ways to support existing community-led nurseries in Norfolk and establish the best ways to help new set-ups that involve the community.
The project will support nurseries to produce trees that are biosecure - stock that is handled responsibly and safely, inspected for pests and diseases regularly and for which records are kept to enable traceability.
Using locally collected seed will help retain regional genetic diversity and provide appropriate species to improve tree stock resilience.
The project, led by Norfolk County Council, could see a training hub created to provide support for communities interested in getting involved.
Other counties including Kent, Cornwall and Shropshire will be taking part in pilot projects to support this work.
The three-year project could tie in to the County Council's 1 Million Trees for Norfolk initiative by providing supplies of local seeds and saplings. Both support the Council's ambition to achieve net zero carbon by 2030 as part of its Environmental Policy.
Boosting Community Tree Nurseries is expected to receive £250,000-300,000 in funding from a Government scheme to establish more trees outside woodlands.