New community woodland in Reddish Vale planted thanks to partnership working

More than 600 trees were planted in a project launched between the council, City of Trees and George Cox to create a new community woodland at Penny Lane near Reddish Vale this week.

The project is part of a national initiative led by City of Trees to plant more than 40 million trees in the fight against climate change.

The trees that will be planted at this site were native species selected for their suitability to the site conditions and their ability to capture carbon and create new habitats for wildlife.

More than 40 volunteers turned up to help throughout the day, which meant that the team was able to beat its initial target of 400 trees.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “It was great to see so many residents and community groups turn out on Wednesday to help plant the new community woodland.

“The work being carried out by City of Trees is a really important one, and together with George Cox, who are one of our long-standing highway framework contractors and it truly is a positive contribution they are making in funding this tremendous project.

“Planting more trees is an incredibly important factor in the Council’s strategy to help combat climate change and improve the biodiversity of the borough.”

Toward the end of the day, the project welcomed representatives from both Manchester United and Real Betis, who planted trees in advance of the teams facing each other in their Europa League clash on Thursday evening.

Contractors George Cox will run one further community day on March 26, having received coaching and support from City of Trees.