Lib Dems launch 10,000 trees campaign

Councillor Andy Kelly and the local Lib Dems have announced ambitious plans to plant 10,000 trees in the Rochdale Borough in 2016. Working in partnership with the Woodland Trust, they are calling for areas of public or private land to be nominated to be planted with trees for future generations.

"The trees will be indigenous species to the UK and can be for a range of purposes," said Cllr Kelly. "We can plant community orchards, boulevards, memorial woods or even trees for sustainable energy. As well as supporting wildlife and encouraging biodiversity, tree planting schemes will improve air quality help reduce flooding by storing thousands of litres of rain water."

Matthew Allen from Spotland and Falinge said, "I know that plans are well advanced and it is something that is extremely welcome. I hope that as many people come forward with ideas of where they would like to see trees planted. It is a fact that trees store huge amount of water. In the current climate, an extra 10,000 trees will aid us in the fight against flooding."

If you want to get involved as an individual or a group in planting the trees, or want to nominate land across the borough then email andykellylibdem@gmail.com or call 07947 609277.