National Highways is partnering with environmental charity The Tree Council to support 40 tree planting projects across England.

Through the link up the government owned company and the charity aim to plant three million trees within the next five years.

Up to 600,000 trees will be donated annually through the project to charities, community groups and heritage sites to benefit biodiversity in the UK through the initiative.

“The positive impact of trees and green spaces on both the environment and the communities surrounding them is clear to see, so I’m proud to work with The Tree Council in planting three million trees across England,” said National Highways director of environmental sustainability Stephen Elderkin.

“It’s great to see the trees starting to go into the ground this planting season, helping demonstrate how nature as well as landowners, communities and organisations benefit from low carbon initiatives.”

Among projects supported is a community planting initiative at Bell Hill Recreation Ground in Petersfield, Hampshire. This will support the planting of hedgerow around a family play area and diversify tree species in the area.

“The partnership supports community volunteers, conservation charities, local authorities and landowners to establish trees, orchards and hedgerows in urban and rural locations, capturing carbon, providing homes for precious wildlife and lifting our spirits,” said Tree Council chief executive Sara Lom.

Trees involved in the partnership have been grown by Greenwood Plants, which is based near Arundel in Sussex.

Greenwood’s managing director Melanie Asker said: “Greenwood has lovingly grown the trees for the three million trees partnership from seed over the past two years across its nursery sites.

“The team is excited to see them being delivered to their new homes. It’s wonderful to be part of such a positive initiative - actively contributing to the enhancement of the future British landscape for many generations to come.”

National Highways says it has chosen trees that will provide seasonal interest through the year and blend well with surrounding natural environments. This includes Alder, Birch, Hawthorn, Oak, Rowan and Beech, all of which are being grown peat-free.

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