New parents in Suffolk encouraged to take part in tree planting scheme
Anyone who has welcomed a new child to their family are being urged to celebrate by planting a tree.
A scheme in Suffolk is offering parents with a new born or newly adopted child the chance to mark their arrival by planting a tree.
The Tree-for-Life campaign is being run by Babergh and Mid-Suffolk District councils to help increase green cover in the region.
Councillor Jessica Fleming is the cabinet member for the environment at Mid-Suffolk District Council. She says "Through gifting these trees for such a special occasion we also help families give back to our communities by making sure our environment can be enjoyed by future generations - supporting our commitment to tackle climate change and strengthening our biodiversity."
Anyone who has welcomed or will welcome a child to their family this year is eligible to apply and receive a tree. Those who have lost a child can also apply for a tree to remember them.
The people who take part will be allowed a chance to choose what type of tree they want and where they would like to plant it. For those who do not have the space in their homes, the council will sow them in woodlands in the districts including: Needham Lake, Shotley Golden Wood, Broom Hill in Hadleigh, Gallowsfield Wood in Haughley and Sproughton Millennium Green.
Councillor Fleming also hopes that this scheme will help promote optimism about the future: "There's a lot of talk now with climate change and a lot of people are disturbed and very often depressed about the future. I am also worried but I also think there is tremendous cause of optimism."
"I think we need to celebrate life and have a little faith, that's what this project is about", she adds.
Applications for trees closes on 10 January 2022.