MP Derek Thomas was in Godolphin last week for the latest tree-planting session of his Woodland Recovery 2020 project which has the goal of planting 20,000 trees in West Cornwall by the end of the year.
Mr Thomas was joined by around a dozen volunteers for a community planting day which took place on land at Trescowe Common owned by Julian Hosking and which resulted in 275 saplings being planted.
The MP initiated the project last autumn with the aim improving air quality and helping the county achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030; to date almost a quarter of the 20,000 trees have either been ordered or planted with more than 20 local schools and a similar number of landowners expressing an interest in being involved with the project.
“Increasing the number of trees we have is probably our most powerful weapon in fighting the effects of climate change,” said Mr Thomas.
“Woods and forests absorb atmospheric carbon and lock it up for centuries through photosynthesis and they are also vital havens for wildlife, boosting biodiversity.
“I am delighted with the response I’ve had to the Woodland Recovery project – so many people and organisations have pledged their support and I am hopeful that we can reach our target by the end of the next tree-planting season in November.”
Mr Thomas added that he is still looking for offers of land from property owners – contact his office on 01736 363038 or email derek.thomas.mp@parliament.uk