Lincolnshire County Council is taking a significant step toward a greener future with its new Trees & Woodland Planting Strategy 2024–2034, aiming to plant 750,000 trees across the county. This ambitious 10-year plan is set to reshape our landscape, reduce flood risks, increase wildlife habitats, and strengthen our local ecosystems to fight climate change. Here’s a closer look at how Lincolnshire intends to transform its green spaces and what this means for residents.
Why 750,000 Trees?
Currently, Lincolnshire has one of England’s lowest tree cover levels, with only 4% coverage—far below the national average of 13%. Our goal is to plant one tree for every resident, totalling 750,000 trees, in a significant effort to reach the county’s long-term climate and biodiversity goals.
Trees improve air quality and provide shade but absorb significant amounts of carbon. For example, if we reach our goal of planting 750,000 trees, these new woodlands will capture and store over 200,000 tons of carbon over their lifetimes. The benefits extend beyond just climate action; they contribute to reducing soil erosion, preventing flooding, and creating beautiful spaces for residents to enjoy.
The Numbers Behind the Plan
To meet the ambitious target of 750,000 trees, the strategy outlines specific planting goals:
- 100 hectares of new woodland across Lincolnshire, primarily focused on land provided by private landowners and local authorities.
- 10,000 meters of new hedgerows each year to reconnect fragmented wildlife habitats and improve biodiversity. Hedgerows act as “wildlife corridors,” allowing species to move between habitats safely.
- 30 community orchards by April 2025, promoting local food production, improving soil health, and encouraging community involvement. Each orchard will feature fruit trees native to the region, like apple, pear, and plum varieties.
Key Initiatives: LincWoods and More
To bring this vision to life, Lincolnshire County Council has launched LincWoods, an initiative to support tree planting across the county. LincWoods will partner with community groups, schools, and local councils, offering advice, resources, and funding options to encourage tree-planting efforts. Here are some of the significant components of LincWoods:
- Community Planting Days: Residents across the county will be invited to participate in hands-on planting days, with events scheduled in local parks, schools, and community centres. These events will help educate people on tree care and raise awareness of the ecological benefits of woodlands.
- Funding Support: To tackle the financial challenges of such an extensive project, Lincolnshire County Council will provide access to grants and subsidies for landowners interested in tree planting. They’ll work alongside partners like the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission, whose Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund is helping fund two dedicated Woodland Creation Officers in Lincolnshire.
- Guidance on “Right Tree, Right Place, Right Reason”: The strategy emphasizes planting native species like oak, hornbeam, and lime trees in areas where they’ll thrive and benefit local ecosystems most. This approach will protect Lincolnshire’s natural heritage while creating resilient forests better adapted to climate change.
Benefits for Our County and Communities
Lincolnshire’s new woodlands, orchards, and hedgerows will provide a wealth of benefits that go beyond environmental impact:
- Improved Flood Protection: With flood risks increasing due to climate change, newly planted woodlands can help absorb rainwater and stabilize soil, reducing water flow into urban areas. A single mature tree can intercept more than 1,000 litres of rainfall each year, preventing it from contributing to potential flooding downstream.
- Economic Opportunities: New woodlands will create jobs in tree care, woodland management, and conservation. Community orchards can also provide an income source, with local produce contributing to Lincolnshire’s agricultural economy. Woodlands can boost local property values, with studies suggesting that proximity to green spaces can increase home values by as much as 10–20%.
- Health and Well-being: Access to green spaces is linked to improved mental and physical health. Lincolnshire’s woodlands will be designed as welcoming spaces for all, with some areas featuring walking paths, bike trails, and spaces for families to enjoy. Studies show that spending time in nature can lower stress levels, improve mood, and promote physical activity. These new green spaces will be a vital resource for residents of all ages.
Challenges and How We’ll Overcome Them
Creating 750,000 new trees is no small feat, and Lincolnshire County Council has outlined plans to tackle the main obstacles, including:
- Land Availability: Lincolnshire is known for its agriculture, so finding suitable land for tree planting without impacting farmland is challenging. By working closely with private landowners, the council aims to identify less productive land or marginal spaces, such as field edges and roadside verges, for planting.
- Funding and Resources: Funding such a massive initiative requires creativity and collaboration. Along with local support, the council is actively pursuing grants from national funds, including the UK’s Net Zero Strategy and DEFRA’s 25-Year Environment Plan. The Woodland Creation Officers will also guide landowners in finding the best funding opportunities for each planting project.
- Community Engagement: It is essential to build a lasting connection between Lincolnshire’s residents and its new woodlands. The council will run educational campaigns, host events, and encourage schools to participate in planting activities, fostering a sense of ownership among the next generation.
How You Can Get Involved
Lincolnshire’s journey to a greener future depends on the community’s support. Here’s how you can take part:
- Join a Planting Day: Look out for upcoming community events where you can roll up your sleeves and plant a tree with your neighbours.
- Become a Tree Guardian: Volunteer to help care for young saplings in your local area, ensuring they get the attention they need to thrive.
- Adopt a Tree or Hedgerow: Some of Lincolnshire’s new trees and hedgerows will be available for adoption, allowing you to support the project directly and even dedicate a tree to a loved one.
- Spread the Word: Share the news about Lincolnshire’s tree-planting strategy on social media, with friends, and in community groups to build excitement and get more people involved.
The Vision for a Green Lincolnshire
By 2034, Lincolnshire will have a vastly different landscape, with new woodlands, thriving orchards, and expanded green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Together, we’ll make our county a healthier, more sustainable place to live, work, and play.
This ambitious plan isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about planting a legacy that future generations can look back on with pride. We’re building a stronger Lincolnshire, one tree at a time—let’s make it happen! 🌳