A large-scale tree planting initiative in Cornwall has secured over £8.7 million in funding, a development expected to significantly boost the region's climate resilience and local environment. The funding, provided through Defra's Trees Programme, will support the planting of two million trees.
Loic Rich, Cornwall's cabinet member for environment and climate change, stated that the Forest for Cornwall project aims to enhance the local landscape and communities. "bringing the beauty and benefits of trees to our doorsteps to improve our health and happiness, providing much-needed shade during this prolonged period of heat," Rich said. The initiative is also designed to support farmers in increasing farm resilience and provide habitats for wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Additionally, the increased tree cover is expected to help keep rivers and streams clean and cool, reduce runoff, and improve soil health.
The project also aims to mitigate flooding in coastal towns and build resilience against a changing climate. This latest grant follows damage caused by Storm Goretti in January, which brought winds of up to 100 mph and felled mature trees at locations like St Michael's Mount and Trewithen.
Farmers are already benefiting from the program. Ben Thomas of Treveddoe Farm, near Cardinham, has planted 2,500 trees. He noted the importance of the knowledge, contacts, and funding provided by the initiative, stating, "Without the knowledge, contacts and funding it would have been hard to find the time to get the project started. In the end we have ended up with a brilliant agroforestry, external network on the farm which is already delivering."