THE first trees to take root as part of a major new project to combat climate change are set to be planted in Saltash tomorrow.

The Forest for Cornwall is Cornwall Council’s key project in response to the climate emergency it has declared.

It will entail the planting of some 8,000 hectares of woodland and other canopy cover with the aim of absorbing carbon and helping Cornwall achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The community open space at Oaklands Drive, Tincombe has been chosen for the first 105 saplings.

Cornwall councillors Edwina Hannaford, cabinet member for climate change and neighbourhoods, and Rob Nolan, cabinet member for environment and public protection, will lead the planting.

They will be helped by residents, volunteers, schoolchildren, Saltash Town Council, the Woodland Trust, Cormac, Cornwall Council staff and a host of other partner organisations, charities and businesses who will work together on creating the Forest for Cornwall.

‘Over a decade, the Forest for Cornwall will significantly increase the number of trees across multiple locations such as woods, parks, farmland, towns, villages and gardens,’ said a Cornwall Council spokesperson.

‘Once completed, it aims to extend canopy cover over an additional two percent of Cornwall’s total land area, and capture 38,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year, representing one percent of Cornwall’s current greenhouse gas emissions.’

As well as several large areas of woodland and forests on public and private land, there will be many smaller copses and individual trees, with connecting corridors in the form of hedgerows, and trees along rivers, trails, cycle routes and in urban streets.

A ‘tree match-making service’ will be set up between Cornwall Council and Cornish residents, community groups, charities and businesses so that the right trees can be put in the right place - and to harness everyone’s goodwill in contributing to the Forest for Cornwall, said Cllr Hannaford.

’This is the start of the Forest for Cornwall and a chance for everyone to take positive action and contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change while increasing spaces for nature in their local communities.’