Loic Rich, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said the Forest for Cornwall project was transforming the county’s landscape by bringing the benefits of trees to towns, villages and rural communities. He said increased tree cover could improve health and wellbeing while providing much-needed shade during the prolonged period of hot weather.
He said the initiative was also helping farmers build more resilient businesses and supporting Cornwall’s wildlife. New woodland and tree-planting schemes provide habitats for birds, mammals and insects, while helping keep rivers and streams clean and cool, reducing surface water run-off and improving soil health.
Mr Rich added that expanding Cornwall’s tree cover could help reduce flooding in coastal towns and strengthen communities against the impacts of climate change.
The latest funding award from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Trees Programme follows the loss of hundreds of trees in January, when Storm Goretti brought wind gusts of up to 100mph (160km/h) across Cornwall.
The storm damaged and uprooted mature trees at St Michael’s Mount near Penzance and Trewithen near Truro.
Ben Thomas, from Treveddoe Farm near Cardinham, has planted 2,500 trees as part of a new agroforestry project.
He said: “Without the knowledge, contacts and funding provided through the project, it would have been difficult to find the time and resources to get the tree-planting work started.
“We have now created a brilliant agroforestry, external network across the farm, and it is already delivering benefits.”
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Source: www.bbc.co.uk