Trees

Planting trees have a large impact on the community, but in the UK, which has one of the lowest tree cover percentages in Europe, every tree matters, for the community and the environment.

1. Trees reduce the impact of climate change by storing carbon during photosynthesis, so trees are a very important part to many climate change strategies.

2. But they do more than this. Trees helps restore habitats and create corridors for wildlife, especially UK native species which provide pollen and habitats for a diverse range of species.

3. Trees reduce flood risk by acting as natural flood management by slowing how quickly water hits the ground with their leaves, and their roots improve soil structure, allowing rainwater to soak into the ground rather than surface run-off.

4. Access to green spaces has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

5. Urban trees lower street temperatures by 5°C, reducing heat stress-related deaths.

6. Trees act as natural air filters, improving air quality by removing pollutants like NO2, resulting in less respiratory illnesses.

To find out more, visit the Council's Green Spaces Strategy here.