A county-wide tree planting initiative has successfully planted more than 1,000 trees this week.

Rossendale Council recently declared a climate emergency and as part of a host of measures to help combat climate change, has pledged to plant 16,000 trees over the next three years. 

That is the equivalent of one for every child in the borough, with the first 6,000 being planted by April 2022. 

In addition to the Rossendale effort, Pendle Council have also pledged to plant 4,000 trees this winter.

The first planting sessions took place on Saturday and Sunday (January 15 and 16) at Maden Recreation ground and Edenfield Recreation ground, with further planting at Cowpe Recreation ground and Whitaker Park during over the course of this week. 

Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Council leader, said: "The council takes climate change very seriously and we’re trying to do as much as we can to reduce our energy consumption and obtain as much as we can from renewable sources. 

"Rossendale Forest is such a great initiative and seems to have really struck a chord with people in Rossendale. We’ve had over 150 individuals sign up to Pledge to Plant, which is more than we could have wished for when we first sent the request out, as well as numerous community groups from civic pride groups to scout packs and schools. The response has been fantastic."

The Woodland Trust believes that native woodland and trees are one of the best ways we can tackle climate change. Essential for wildlife habitats and food sources, trees also help with flood prevention, carbon management and water filtration. 

By the end of this parliament, it is hoped 30,000Ha of land will be planted each year in the UK and Rossendale Council’s efforts, along with partners, residents, and community groups, are set to make a significant contribution to this annual target. 

Cllr Barnes added: "Rossendale Forest is something that everyone no matter their age can get involved in. All the small things we do, when done collectively, make a much bigger impact and we hope Rossendale Forest will be a real legacy for generations to come."

The leader of Pendle Council, Nadeem Ahmed, said: "We have 4,000 trees to plant this winter - and we’re asking local people to dig in and help.

"Tree planting is an important aspect of our bid to combat climate change, support wildlife and improve Pendle’s green spaces - and we want to involve the community.

"This project is also a partnership between neighbouring councils in East Lancashire to plant 35,000 native trees to create 95 new micro-woodlands across Pennine Lancashire this winter."

Phil Riley, Pendle Council’s green spaces manager said: "We've organised 11 community planting events to give local people the chance to dig in and do their bit.

"The young trees will be planted in seven different areas of Pendle including play areas, a primary school and a local nature reserve."

Details of future tree planting events are detailed on the respective council websites.