The Conservatives promised at the 2015 general election to plant 11 million trees over five years Bethany ClarkeMore than 600,000 trees will be planted in Northumberland after ministers backed the largest woodland creation scheme in England for 30 years. The project at Doddington North Moor will cover 350 hectares and is intended to boost red squirrel numbers, store 120,000 tonnes of carbon and manage flood risks. The Forestry Commission also expects the scheme, which starts in March, to generate jobs during its three-year duration,A similar scheme, at the Lowther Estate in the Lake District, was approved two weeks ago. More than 210,000 trees will be planted on 170 hectares there. The Conservatives promised at the 2015 general election to plant 11 million trees over five years, a pledge reaffirmed by Theresa May at this year’s election, though planting is behind schedule.…

Source: The Times December 01, 2017 00:00 UTC