Lincolnshire County Council and Woodland Trust’s LincWoods project will see 200,000 trees planted by 2026

A new collaboration by Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust will result in 200,000 trees planted by 2026.

The LincWoods scheme will see over 60 football fields’ worth of new woodland and 20,000 metres of new hedgerow planted over the next two years.

Lincolnshire has one of the lowest tree cover rates in the UK at just under 4% - compared to a national tree coverage rate of 13%.

The scheme will see Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust, based in Grantham, work with landowners, farmers, businesses, parish councils, and communities of Lincolnshire to support the planting of new woodlands, orchards, hedgerows, and individual trees.

Paul Woodgate, outreach officer for the Woodland Trust, said: “These trees are crucial for the environment here in Lincolnshire which is beautiful but really in need of more trees to fight the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Not only will the trees boost the environment they will also bring so many community benefits – tree cover is directly linked to better health outcomes.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for local landowners to play a crucial role in enhancing our natural environment too. We are proud to support Lincolnshire County Council in this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes – for nature, people and climate – of our combined efforts.”

The county council and Woodland Trust’s partnership will deliver the MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes and offer landowners across Lincolnshire funding and support for planting trees and hedges, contributing to the county’s environmental goals.

The project, which will see planting kick off in the autumn with a tree giveaway event, will also offer substantial subsidies from Lincolnshire County Council for tree and hedge planting to ensure that the cost to landowners is minimised.

Martin Hill (Con), leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability. By collaborating with the Woodland Trust, we can profoundly impact our local landscape and biodiversity, ensuring Lincolnshire remains green and vibrant for future generations.

“In a thousand years, our descendants may well be standing in the shade of oaks planted by LincWoods. It’s an inspiring legacy.”

The launch of LincWoods took place at the Bowthorpe Oak, near Bourne. The tree is estimated to be over a 1,000 years old, and boasting the widest girth of any pedunculate oak in the UK at 13.38 metres.

This historic tree has not only been a focal point for community gatherings but also serves as an inspiring symbol of the LincWoods project’s vision.

For more information about the LincWoods project, and how to get involved, visit lincolnshire.gov.uk/trees or contact Natural Environment project officers, Harriet Winspear and Wally Grice at LincWoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

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