To quote Sir David Attenborough, “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.”

That is why it is fantastic to see Bedford benefit from a host of Government funds to accelerate tree planting and enhance expertise across the Borough.

The resulting cash injection totals over £334,000 and will enable Bedford Borough Council to pursue even more ambitious tree planting targets and plans. Last year the Council planted over 30,000 trees, now backed by increased Government funding, the target is expected to be over 35,000.

Specifically, the Borough Council is receiving £150,000 from the Conservative Governments Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund. This will create green jobs to bring the professional expertise needed to drive tree planting and woodland creation at a local level.

Jim Weir, Conservative Councillor for Kempston Rural Ward, added, “Initiatives and funding from these Government grants means Bedford can begin to address the overwhelming environmental challenges of our time and rediscover how to be sustainable.

Trees are essential for life, they are vital to the health of Bedford’s local wildlife, they give us oxygen, store carbon and stabilise the soil.

It is our responsibility to do everything within our power to protect and enhance our local environment to provide a home not just for us, but for all life in the Borough.”