Essex Forest Initiative announces new volunteer tree planting dates

This month, the Essex Forest Initiative announced tree planting dates for this winter with events will be taking place from November to late January 2024.

Planting days are planned in various locations across the county including, Ardleigh, Basildon, Colchester, Hatfield, Kelvedon, Loughton and Maldon.

Launched in 2019, the Essex Forest Initiative committed to planting £1 million worth of trees over the following five years, equivalent to 375,000 trees. The initiative has continued to make fantastic progress and is well on track with its targets, with over 240,000 trees planted since the programme was launched. The project has also won the prestigious Green Apple Environment Awards in recognition of its work.

Increasing green infrastructure and planting more trees across the county have a vital role in combating climate change and mitigating the effects of carbon emissions. Planting a greater number of trees will help to absorb carbon in the atmosphere, as well as improve air quality and encourage new habitats and biodiversity. More green space also helps to support with our health and wellbeing.

You can find out more information about the planting dates and sign up to volunteer from the form here. If you have any questions about the Essex Forest Initiative, please email environment@essex.gov.uk.