Two woodland areas in Scunthorpe could be extended as part of the Government’s £50m Woodland Carbon Guarantee scheme to tackle climate change.
The national scheme, announced yesterday by the Government, aims to help boost tree planting rates and tackle climate change by paying landowners as those trees grow.
Successful participants will be offered the option to sell Woodland Carbon Units to the government over 35 years at a guaranteed price set by auction, providing new income for land managers who help businesses compensate for their carbon emissions.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the new Government initiative. He said:
“This new fund gives landowners a long-term financial incentive to invest in tree planting. For the council, it is a chance to enhance our own tree planting goals by taking advantage of this funding and further improving the environment in Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire.”
North Lincolnshire Council has identified two areas of woodland in Scunthorpe that could be extended over 6.32hectares as part of the scheme.
In Manor Park, the area of woodland at the top of the hill near Bridges Road could be extended, spreading to the other side of Bridges Road towards West Common Lane. Further, scattered trees could be planted in other areas of Manor Park near Burringham Road and Dryden Road.
The wooded area at the back of Collinson Avenue playing field between Doncaster Road and Ferry Road could also be extended, with more scattered trees planted on the field near Berkeley Junior School and Collinson Avenue.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Environment and Community Wellbeing, said:
“Both of the sites we have identified run along parts of the Sustrans National Cycle Network and are popular with walkers and runners too. Extending the woodlands in these area wouldn’t just help us tackle climate change and improve our air, but would enhance these areas for residents and visitors.
“Away from the existing woodland, in Manor Park and on Collinson Avenue Playing Field, by planting scattered trees or small groups in the right places, we can enhance the environment in these areas and still maintain them for community use and outdoor activities.”
