MORE THAN 50 projects led by community and volunteer groups, councils and individuals have been awarded a share of a £10 million pot to increase tree numbers in urban area, with several sites in Dorset set to benefit from the scheme.

Over 4,500 trees have been planted in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch thanks to the funding, which was awarded as part of the second and final round of the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund.

The second round will result in the planting of over 84,000 trees in towns and cities across England.

The new trees will provide benefits to health and wellbeing, connect people with the outdoors, improve biodiversity, as well as play a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, said: “Community tree planting is a passion of mine which is why I am so excited to see projects like these benefitting from our Urban Tree Challenge Fund.

“Trees give life to our streets and our parks, help improve the health of communities, and provide homes for precious wildlife, and the thousands of new trees that will be planted will bring many benefits for generations to come.”

The announcement means that there will be a combined total of up to 134,000 new trees planted across England’s towns and cities, which surpasses the Fund’s original target to plant 130,000 trees.

Successful projects in Dorset include 3,450 trees for Poole; 952 trees across two sites for Christchurch and 237 trees planted in Bournemouth and 150 trees for the Kings Valley Park application

Forestry Minister, Lord Goldsmith, said: “Trees play a crucial role in the fight against the climate and biodiversity loss. In urban areas they can link up our valuable green spaces and connect local communities with nature – something which has never been so important.

“Ahead of our forthcoming England Tree Strategy, and to complement our manifesto ambition to have every new street lined with trees, the success of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund provides a fantastic example of how trees can be planted, managed and enjoyed, wherever you live.”

Grants from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund are administered by the Forestry Commission, and successful applicants are match-funding the money they receive.

The money will fund the planting of trees and the first three years of their care to ensure they can flourish into the future.

This news comes ahead of National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, which is taking place between Saturday November 28 and Sunday December 6.

The Government is still committed to plant 30,000 hectares of trees a year across the UK by 2025.