New “LincWoods” project will see 200,000 planted across the region in next two years

Lincolnshire County Council and Woodland Trust have united for a major planting initiative to boost tree cover across the region.

LincWoods will see 200,000 trees planted by 2026 in towns and rural areas – that’s over 60 football fields’ worth of new woodland and 20,000 metres of new hedgerow.

In a region traditionally lagging behind the national average for tree cover with just under four per cent compared to the national average of 13 per cent, the trees will be crucial for enhancing the region’s green spaces and biodiversity. As well as tree planting giveaway events involving the public, landowners will also be offered subsidies to get involved.

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. “

Councillor Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

He 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 fittingly took place at the Bowthorpe Oak, near Bourne. The tree is estimated to be over a thousand years old, and boasting the widest girth of any pedunculate oak in the UK at 13.38 metres, it stands as a testament to the enduring natural heritage of Lincolnshire. 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.

The County Council and Woodland Trust’s partnership will see it deliver the MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes to landowners across Lincolnshire. Through this initiative, landowners can receive 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, offers substantial subsidies for tree and hedge planting. This funding from Lincolnshire County Council, combined with support from the Woodland Trust and Lloyds, ensures that the cost to landowners is minimised, encouraging widespread participation.

For more information about the LincWoods project and how to get involved, visit the Lincolnshire County Council website (lincolnshire.gov.uk/trees) or contact Natural Environment Project Officers, Harriet Winspear and Wally Grice at [email protected].