Thousands of new trees and hedgerows are set to be planted across Warwick district thanks to a new partnership with the local farming community.

Warwick District Council has helped supply more than 6,000 trees to local farms with the support of Arden Farm Wildlife Network, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, and the Heart of England Forest.

The first packs of saplings, delivered in December, will be planted across the 12 farms taking part in the initiative, which includes Grounds Farm in Kenilworth.

The trees will be used to fill gaps in hedgerows and create new woodland areas.

Portfolio holder for climate change, Cllr Alan Rhead commented: "We are thrilled to be part of this project which will give a huge boost to our tree planting ambitions and also help to improve biodiversity, provide new habitats for wildlife, capture carbon as well as assisting members of our farming community.

"We very much hope that this initiative will go from strength to strength as we encourage more landowners to join the network."

The project is one of several to be undertaken during the current tree planting season (November 2022 to March 2023) as part of Warwick District Council's goal to enable the planting of 160,000 trees locally by 2030 -one for every resident.

It is supported by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Arden Farm Wildlife Network, which brings together like-minded farmers to share best practice on how to improve their farm for wildlife whilst maintaining a productive farm.

Lucy Hawker, Dunsmore living landscape scheme manager at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust added: "This is a fabulous way for the council to support local farmers to improve their land for wildlife by increasing tree cover and restoring vital hedgerow connections across the landscape. I'd urge landowners across the district to take part and help make more space for nature."