Surrey County Council has launched an online map to show its progress planting new trees and hedges in the county.

Councillors aim to plants 1.2 million trees in Surrey by 2030 – which would be one for every resident.

To-date, more than 40,000 trees and 6,000 hedge plants have been planted since the campaign began in 2019.

Natalie Bramhall, Surrey County Councillor Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said,
“Trees bring a fantastic range of benefits to local communities, from absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate flooding, reducing noise pollution and providing a habitat for wildlife. Over the past year, we’ve invested £100,000 in planting new trees for the benefit of Surrey residents and I look forward to seeing this brilliant initiative continuing.”

Surrey County Council is working with partners across the county to achieve their goal. This includes working with districts and boroughs as well as nature organisations such as the Woodland Trust, and schools and businesses.

Tree planting season runs from October to March, weather dependent, and to launch the most recent season, the council worked with schools to encourage children to plant trees.

Throughout National Tree Week last December, 265 trees and 224 hedge packs were sent to 91 schools across the county. Tony Mould, Forest School Leader at Audley Primary School, Caterham said,
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn about trees, empowering them to make a difference and become custodians of our school grounds.”

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