Eight thousand trees to be planted in Salford

A new four-year initiative is tackling climate change in Salford by planting 8,000 trees. 

The project led by Salford City Council will work with the Greater Manchester Community Forest and the charity City of Trees to make the city greener.

The ambitious project will aim to identify optimal locations for street trees and new woodlands.

The council will also partner with developers to integrate planting into new development projects, ensuring that green spaces are part of Salford’s growth.

The plan will hope to benefit the wider community and will hope to improve air quality, reduce flood risks and enhance public health.

We’ve pledged to support the planting of 8000 trees by 2028. We’ll work with City of Trees to identify planting sites for street trees & new woodland areas & plant the trees over the next four years. We’ll work with developers to plant new trees as part of new developments 🌳 pic.twitter.com/cOJbFEwi8h

— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) October 15, 2024

The new 8,000 trees will play a crucial role in the battle against climate change, as a single mature tree is capable of absorbing up to 22kg of carbon dioxide annually.

Councilor Jane Hamilton, the executive support member for climate change, said: “Responding to climate change is a cornerstone of our corporate plan which strives to create a fairer, greener, healthier, and more inclusive city for all.

“Our commitment to planting 8,000 trees is one of many steps we are taking to safeguard future generations from climate impacts.”

Kevin Wigley, spokesperson from City of Trees, said: “We have secured funding for trees and woodland projects, and identifying suitable planting locations is a top priority.

“Collaborating with Salford City Council allows us to maximize the benefits of these new trees for residents now and in the future.

“We encourage other landowners in Salford to consider planting woodlands on their properties, as every new wooded area contributes to a greener, more resilient Salford.”

Other Salford City Council projects to reduce the city’s carbon footprint include solar car ports, zero-emissios buses, ground breaking low-carbon housing developments, and an office building with Europe’s biggest green wall.

For more information on Salford’s climate initiatives, visit www.greenersalford.info.