Thousands of new trees are appearing across Stockton-on-Tees, and the council are encouraging volunteers to put on their wellies and help them plant thousands more.

The local council is undertaking the second wave of planting in an ambitious two-year project to help tackle climate change and improve local communities by planting more than 20,000 new trees in the district.

Last year the council begain its work with residents, schools, businesses and others to establish new trees in the borough, primarily in areas with low tree canopy cover.

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This new planting programme was launched last month with a special commemorative tree planted at Daffodil Park in Billingham, as part of the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC), along with 400 assorted new trees.

Between now and February thousands of new trees will also be going in the ground at Tilery Park, Gilside Road, Mill Lane, High Newham Road, Rochester Road and the Common, Thornaby.

Stockton-on-Tees Council invites members of the community to come down to the following planting days:

  • Saturday 17 December - Tilery Park, Stockton
  • Saturday 21 January - The Common, Thornaby
  • Saturday 28 January - Mill Lane, Billingham
  • Saturday 18 February - Rochester Road, Roseworth

In March 80 fruit trees will also be planted to create a brand new Community Orchard in Newham Grange Park.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “During the first wave of planting we saw such a wonderful response from residents young and old who turned out in force to help with Trees in Stockton-on-Tees.

“Planting more trees in towns and cities has a hugely positive impact on people and our environment and helps tackle ‘green inequality’ in more deprived areas.

“We want to encourage community ownership of trees and woodlands, as well as find new ways of managing trees and woodlands for future sustainability. So, I would once again urge residents, schools, businesses and other organisations to get your wellies on and get involved with this hugely beneficial initiative.”

Working alongside UK charity Trees for Cities and other partners, the Council has secured £360,000 of funding to plant thousands of young trees (whips), as well as hundreds of fruit trees and standard trees over two winters.

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Trees in Stockton-on-Tees hopes to celebrate the borough's trees both old and new by raising awareness of their value and involving local communities in not just planting, but also in aftercare and other activities. It's hoped that the programme will be the start of on-going woodland planting and management throughout the borough.

Anyone who would like to get involved, not just in the planting but also with long term tree management and maintenance, can email treeproject@stockton.gov.uk