Council’s climate change mission takes root with 1,000 trees planted in Rossendale

Rossendale Council’s tree planting initiative Rossendale Forest has successfully planted more than 1,000 trees in the borough this week.

The council declared a climate emergency and, as part of a raft of measures to help combat climate change, has pledged to plant 16,000 over the next three years. That’s one for every child in the borough, with the first 6,000 being planted by April 2022. 

The first planting sessions took place on Saturday and Sunday at Maden Recreation ground and Edenfield Recreation ground, with further planting at Cowpe Recreation ground and Whitaker Park during the week. 

Alyson Barnes, Council Leader, said: “The council takes climate change very seriously and we’re trying to do as much as we can to reduce our energy consumption and obtain as much as we can from renewable sources. 

“Rossendale Forest is such a great initiative and seems to have really struck a chord with people in Rossendale. We’ve had over 150 individuals sign up to Pledge to Plant, which is more than we could have wished for when we first sent the request out, as well as numerous community groups from civic pride groups to scout packs and schools. The response has been fantastic.” 

The Woodland Trust believes that native woodland and trees are one of the best ways we can tackle climate change. Essential for wildlife habitats and food sources, trees also help with flood prevention, carbon management and water filtration. 

By the end of this parliament, it is hoped 30,000Ha of land will be planted each year in the UK and Rossendale Council’s efforts, along with partners, residents, and community groups, are set to make a significant contribution to this annual target. 

Councillor Barnes added: “Rossendale Forest is something that everyone no matter their age can get involved in. All the small things we do, when done collectively, make a much bigger impact and we hope Rossendale Forest will be a real legacy for generations to come.” 

Further planting sessions are scheduled between now and April and if you would like to sign up for more information and register to help you can go to https://bit.ly/rbcforest1 Or if you have land which you think could be used for planting you can email rossendaleforest@rossendalebc.gov.uk