Forest funding boost as two million trees planted

The Forest for Cornwall tree planting initiative has been awarded £8.7 million in government funding to grow its efforts and reach its ambitious goals. The scheme, which began in 2019, has already planted over two million trees across the county, with the aim of achieving 8,000 hectares of new tree canopy by 2035. Cornwall Council announced that this substantial investment will assist the authority in meeting its target of 16.5% canopy and woodland cover by 2050, as set by England.

Loic Rich, Cornwall's cabinet member for environment and climate change, highlighted the positive impact of the Forest for Cornwall project. He noted that the initiative enhances the local landscape, brings beauty and numerous benefits to towns and villages, improves health and happiness, provides shade during the current heatwave, and supports farmers by increasing farm resilience.

Mr. Rich also emphasized the project's role in benefiting wildlife by creating habitats for birds, mammals, and insects, as well as its contribution to cleaner and cooler rivers and streams, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced soil health. He added that the increased tree cover also plays a crucial role in reducing flooding in coastal areas, contributing to building resilience against a changing climate.

The latest funding from the Defra's Trees Programme is a timely boost for the Forest for Cornwall scheme, coming after significant losses due to Storm Goretti in January. The storm caused gusts of up to 100mph, leading to the destruction of hundreds of mature trees at St Michael's Mount near Penzance and Trewithen in Truro. Ben Thomas, a farmer from Treveddoe Farm near Cardinham, who has already planted 2,500 trees, expressed gratitude for the support received.

Thomas mentioned that without the necessary knowledge, contacts, and funding, starting the project would have been challenging. However, with the help of external networks, the project has flourished, already delivering positive outcomes.