Mendip District Council is to plant 8,000 trees in the district for the Queen's Green Canopy.

The Council has already planted around 4000 trees and that will double by the end of the planting season. Tree planting is central to Mendip's commitment for addressing the Climate and Ecological Emergency, as they mitigate carbon emissions, whilst generating biodiversity.

The Queen's Green Canopy is a national initiative which encourages organisations, communities, and individuals to "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee" to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. This scheme has only been made possible through close partnership working with local Charites, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the community group, Reimagining the Levels, who each received financial support from the Council for tree planting. Native tree species such as oak, birch, beech, hazel, rowan, small-leaved lime, and holly will be used for hedging and woodland creation.

Some have already been planted in Edford Wood near Holcombe and Harridge Wood near Nettlevridge, and King's Castle Wood near Wells will see trees planted later in the year. Cllr Tom Ronan, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said: "It's fantastic to see tree planting as part of the Jubilee celebrations. "Planting trees is a vital way to mitigate the effects of climate change and is of huge importance to wildlife. "We hope Mendip's contribution to the tree canopy will help keep carbon emissions low in our district, provide thriving habitats for local wildlife, and improve residents' wellbeing in years to come."