TOWNS and green spaces in Warwickshire are set to get leafier.
New trees and hedgerows will be planted across the county after Warwickshire County Council secured a £36,400 grant from The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) Fund.
The council will focus on planting trees in the heart of communities, including urban street trees that have been requested by residents, and carefully selected young trees for green spaces.
Working with Rangers from Warwickshire Country Parks, the council will also plant new hedgerows and enhance existing ones to boost biodiversity.
Residents will be invited to help with hedgerow planting at Ryton Pools Country Park, and nominate locations for trees in green spaces.
Coun Darren Cheshire, WCCC’s Environment, Heritage and Culture spokesman, said: “Trees and hedgerows make our towns and villages more attractive places to live, support local wildlife and provide peaceful, calming environments that are proven to support people’s wellbeing.
“This investment will help to ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the leafy, thriving Warwickshire we’re so proud of.”
The TOW Fund, financed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), offers grants of up to £40,000 for local authorities and larger charities to grow trees on land that is publicly accessible, or of benefit to the public.
The latest round of funding is for planting projects across the 2025-26 season, ending on March 2.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “Trees bring us peace, shade and joy, and people feel deeply connected to them across the country.
“This funding will see thousands of trees planted as part of our Plan for Change, to bring nature closer to people.”
The Tree Council is a national charity which supports planting projects to improve biodiversity and air quality, reduce the risk of flooding, and deliver environmental benefits.
CEO Sara Lom said: “Trees outside woodland are the trees we all come across most often – those in our parks, on our streets, and even the hedgerows that act as heritage highways for a rich array of wildlife.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Defra to offer this additional Tree Council grant opportunity to benefit people, wildlife and our planet, and especially Warwickshire County Council.”
Visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/grants-and-guidance/our-grants/trees-outside-woodland-fund for more information on the TOW Fund.
Visit www.wcslnp.co.uk to find out how to help wildlife in Warwickshire.
