COUNCIL bosses have unanimously agreed to set specific tree planting targets in the Braintree district which could include new community woodlands.

The motion, put forward by the Green and Independent Group, asked the council to implement specific targets for the number of trees to be planted in the district.

It comes after pledges made by Essex County Council to plant 375,000 trees by 2024 with the aim to plant a million new trees by 2030 across the county.

Woodlands which have already been a success were highlighted, such as Molly’s Wood in Sible Hedingham – a 10-acre nature reserve started by the late Ronnie Green, who named the woodland after his wife.

The motion was passed unanimously by all parties during a council meeting and work is underway to develop the tree planting targets.

Hedingham Ward councillor Jo Beavis was involved in the group’s motion.

She said: “There are good examples locally of community woodlands, such as Molly’s Wood gifted by the late Dr Ronnie Green, but communities and the council need to do more to combat a ‘climate crisis’.

“The council and councillors should, and on many cases are, encouraging communities and land owners to identify areas to plant more trees

“The Braintree District Council leadership said they do not require targets because they have been planting trees for years, but my question and the motion is about requesting the council to be specific on numbers.

“How many trees have been planted and how many more will be planted?”

Mrs Beavis added: “As district councillors we have a front-line leadership role to play in encouraging our communities to plant more trees.